The first Earth Hour 2020 – Live & Unplugged livestream for the environment saw a total of 37,000 viewers tuning in for performances from Singaporean artistes, as well as lively discourse between changemakers and local personalities exploring how our planetary emergency and global loss of nature impacts the lives of Singaporeans. The start of the livestream also signalled the official launch of the Open Letter to Singapore to pledge support for policies and practices safeguarding nature.
The three hour livestream opened with an electrifying performance by SEZAIRI, followed by a haunting set from Inch Chua. RRILEY, Nathan Hartono, Benjamin Kheng, Preetipls and Subhas, Fariz Jabba & Yung Raja followed up with show stopping performances from their home studios. In between performances, seasoned presenters and environmental advocates, Paul Foster and Charmaine Yee engaged in riveting conversations with leading environmental changemakers, including nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) Anthea Ong and youth environmentalist Woo Qiyun, along with representatives of local groups LepakinSG, SG Climate Rally, Zero Waste SG and WWF-Singapore.
The conversations covered topics from candid recounts of personal encounters with nature’s beauty and devastation that eventually kickstarted journeys of advocacy, to informative discussions on how individuals can drive environmental action, starting with influencing change in their wider community. While different in scope and approach, each conversation stressed the crucial message that when nature is not protected, people’s health, societies and economies are put at risk.
At 8.30pm local time, Earth Hour 2020 – Live & Unplugged came to a rousing finish, signalling the beginning of the movement’s symbolic lights out action to show solidarity for the planet and to protect nature. For an hour, Singapore’s iconic skyline went dark as Singaporeans switched off the lights in a stunning display of united demonstration for nature.
This year, over 200 landmarks and buildings including businesses, hotels, malls, communities and attractions like the Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade, Singapore Flyer, Gardens By The Bay, Central Business District, malls and retail brands along Orchard Road, The Body Shop, Samsonite and Community Centres (Nee Soon East, Tanjong Pagar, Whampoa, Punggol) took part in the Lights Out.
Going Beyond The Hour On the livestream, viewers were also urged to add their pledge to the Open Letter to Singapore, an initiative rallying Singaporeans to safeguard Singapore’s future. Making a case for the inextricable link between human action and the health of our planet, the Open Letter provides a platform for people in Singapore to be part of the movement to protect nature and biodiversity.
By adding their voice for nature, Singaporeans called for decision makers to improve environmental policies and business practices nationwide. Supported by Green Drinks Singapore, LepakinSG, SG Climate Rally, WWF-Singapore and Zero Waste SG, the platform for the Open Letter to Singapore went live at 5.30pm on 28 March 2020.
You can watch the livestream again here.
