Earth is our only home and it’s so important that we do everything we can to take care of it! A healthy planet provides us with good food, clean air, and fresh water. However, climate change is threatening this way of life. Earth Hour is on March 30th from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm local time. This movement is one small way you can work towards making a difference on our planet!
It started as a symbolic lights out event in Sydney, Australia in 2007. It has now grown to be the world’s largest grassroots movement for bringing awareness to our planet and nature. Mexico joined Earth Hour in 2009 for the first time, and its participation has grown since then. In 2014 more than 100 companies, 60 cities and 15 educational centers participated in turning off their lights. This year you can join in too!
How is Climate Change Affecting the Riviera Maya?
The threat of climate change is already rearing its head in places like the Riviera Maya. The extraordinary blooms of sargassum are one of the most obvious consequences of climate change in the area. In addition, the increase in temperature can lead to an increase in river floods, mudslides, drought, and water scarcity. If humans do not move quickly to address the scourge of climate change, all of our natural and cultural attractions and ecosystems will be at risk.
The Mesoamerican Reef, which is part of the Riviera Maya, is continually endangered by the threat of climate change. The Nature Conservancy and the State Government of Quintana Roo have created the ‘Coastal Zone Management Trust’. This trust fund aims to protect this important ecosystem which is home to some of the world’s most important and unique coral reefs, mangrove forests, fish species, and marine mammals. Also, this trust will help to maintain the reef as we work towards slowing down and reversing climate change trends.
Earth Hour – A Small but Significant Way to Contribute to Nature
Additionally, the increase in the world’s temperature can lead to more extreme weather events. These catastrophes include hurricanes, which can also cause severe damage to our homes, infrastructure and to these important ecological systems. Beaches are also vulnerable to experiencing severe erosion from the waves during storms. Rapid post-storm intervention, however, has shown strong results in reducing the damage to reefs, which in turn helps to maintain the beaches and reduce coastal erosion.
Participating in Earth Hour is one small way that you too can help protect our planet for generations to come. If you are interested in finding out what more you can do to help keep our planet healthy and beautiful, check out some of our previous articles on Adopting a Green Lifestyle in Mexico or learn more about Green Energy in your Home.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate… we make it happen!