Environment

Earth hour 2009 - an impression from Cape Town

by Miriam Mannak | March 29, 2009 at 04:39 am

208 views | 26 Recommendations | 5 comments

By Miriam Mannak

Armed with my camera, tripod and a group of good friends, I headed for Table Mountain Road last evening. From here, as I know from experience, one has one of the most exquisite views of the city. As a true Capetonian, I was however a few minutes too late to see the lights being switched off.

Initially, we were all a bit confused as we did not really see a difference from any other night. But then we spotted that the lights that were still illuminating the city, were street lights and those of the harbour and refineries at the other side of the harbor. Yes, there were actually quite a few black patches and the enormous spot lights that drench Table Mountain in a shower of watts every evening, were turned down too. Woohooh!

Still, we were slightly disappointed as we expected a pool of darkness stretching out from below our feet. Nothing of that. Nada. I guess it is a bit tricky to shut down a city's street light network, but still.

What was nice, though, was the togetherness of the people who had gathered on Table Mountain road to 'watch over the city'. The main topic was of course the planet and its dire condition. It was amazing to see total strangers getting to know each other and possibly making new friends. And last but not least - the photo opportunity was amazing.

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sara star

flagged this story as Eyewitness Report

at 10:13 on March 29th, 2009

This is an eyewitness report from the NowPublic member Miriam Mannak who was on the scene.

recommend This comment thread is now closed

kuuva

at 07:27 on March 29th, 2009

i was a little disappointed too, i looked at pictures of other cities too. I am sure most street lights use photocells that turn them on at dusk and off at dawn. So I guess that is why they were all still ON. But I liked how you found a positive side by meeting some new people.

sara star

at 10:15 on March 29th, 2009

I was disheartened to see all my neighbours' lights on. Next year I will canvas. Ask the gas station and neighbourhood store to put a sign up.

jazzyzazzy

at 16:39 on March 29th, 2009

aye its a good photo must have been awesome there with the good atmosphere as well.I did ma bit for the earth hour too.

Miriam Mannak

at 08:35 on March 30th, 2009

It was a great atmosphere :) Hope next year, more lights go out though ..

Nicolai M

at 23:27 on April 6th, 2009

Even at work here in Heerengracht street we were requested to switch off all office lights, except those areas where the Call Centre workers, who worked after hours, were housed. We should do this more often, it empowers more people to make a direct contribution instead of trying to figure out what global warming is all about...:-)