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If we assume that most people now understand the reality of our changing climate, perhaps this is a good year to drastically change what we do during Earth Hour.

Launched in 2007, this annual ritual asks us to turn off all non-essential lighting from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. The admirable gesture has raised public awareness of the need to take action on climate change — but the event is badly flawed in almost all other aspects.

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First, how can there be any non-essential consumption of any energy at any time Someone must pay for that waste. If any company or politician expects a pat on the back for briefly turning off lights that should not be on, the appropriate response is public condemnation … not commendation.

It is less expensive to buy electricity at night and on weekends, but much of the power generated in Ontario during these periods must be sold at a loss because we do not store it for peak demand. Any short-term decline in consumption on a Saturday night will exacerbate that financial loss.