A grassroots movement for the environment is unfolding in Singapore. In conjunction with Earth Hour 2020, Open Letter is launching as a platform to spur Singaporeans into paving the way for a better future.
Amid the chaos unfolding in the world around us, there are still good people doing good things. In Singapore, local environmental organisations and passionate individuals are full steam ahead with their plans to launch a platform for people to voice support for nature and the future they envision. Called Open Letter, the initiative rallies together citizens to safeguard Singapore’s future by calling for improved environmental policies and business practices nationwide. In conjunction with Earth Hour, the effort is lead by groups like WWF-Singapore, Green Drinks Singapore, LepakinSG, SG Climate Rally and Zero Waste SG, and is aimed at Singapore’s decision-makers in politics, business and education.
“As the world battles COVID-19, we stand in solidarity with people to recognise planetary emergencies like climate change and biodiversity loss,” says Kim Stengert, Chief, Strategic Communication and External Relations, WWF-Singapore. “The Open Letter to Singapore comes at a critical time for the planet. Earth Hour is a moment for us to unite as one to send a message of change for a more secure future. To ensure better health, quality of life and a sustainable future for all, governments, businesses and institutions have to take action that is in line with science.”
THE UNVEILING
The platform for the Open Letter to Singapore goes live at 5:30 pm (GMT+8) on March 28, which is the start time of WWF Singapore’s annual Earth Hour event. Titled ‘Earth Hour 2020 — Live and Unplugged, the event will take place via live stream this year. The iconic lights-out moment will begin at 8:30 pm, and instead of dwelling about the fact that people aren’t able to join together for the occasion, the decision to go digital is hoping to deliver greater accessibility for people to join this meaningful movement. WWF started Earth Hour as a symbolic lights-out event in 2007.
THE OBJECTIVE
The aim is to get as many people as possible to sign the letter and create the loudest voice for nature in Singapore. This doesn’t just apply to activists or everyday green warriors; this is for everyone who lives in or cares about Singapore’s future. The effort will altogether look to strengthen policies and practices that support the preservation of the environment while guaranteeing longterm essential needs like clean air, food, water and biodiversity.
The Open Letter to Singapore seeks three outcomes:
1. Maintain the good health of Singaporeans by addressing environmental threats caused by deforestation, exploitation and pollution.
2. Achieve a good quality of life for Singaporeans by preserving natural environments and biodiversity in Singapore and the region.
3. Ensure a bright and prosperous future for Singapore by ultimately stopping climate change.
YOUR #LITTLEGREENSTEPS TO TAKING PART
Singapore has long recognised the crucial role that systemic intervention plays in advancing scaled and sustained environmental change alongside individual action. Be a part of the intervention by pledging allegiance to the initiative and watching Earth Hour 2020 — Live & Unplugged on March 28 between 5:30 pm and 8.30 pm here. In between unscripted and #nofilter climate conversations, see performances from local artists like Benjamin Kheng, Inch Chua and Nathan Hartono, rapper and social media personality Preetipls, and rappers Yung Raja, Fariz Jabba and Subhas. Don’t forget to participate in the “Lights Out” movement for one hour beginning at 8:30 pm, and finally, sign the Open Letter here.
Psssst… if you missed it live, you can watch it again here.