When I reflect on my trip to AIG's headquarters in NYC two weeks ago, the most important takeaway that I get from my effort is that one person can indeed make a difference. My peaceful, lone man protest forced a disruption on one of the world's largest firms.
When I reflect on the issue of climate change and global warming, it almost seems overwhelming, and that one person's efforts would be so small in the larger scheme of things so as to be useless. But then I think back to my hours in the canyons of New York City's financial district, and the impact that it created. Yes, I can make a difference. And if thousands (or millions) join me, in whatever the issue or endeavor, then the statement becomes powerful and hard to ignore...
Tonight, between 8:30 and 9:30PM, regardless of your time zone, you have the opportunity to create a synergy with millions of other people by turning off your lights for an hour, in observance of Earth Hour. The picture to the left is downtown Sydney, Australia earlier today. Quite an impact, huh?
Yes, Earth Hour is a largely symbolic gesture. The message that it sends, though, is visually unique and emotionally compelling: there is power in numbers, irrespective of the cause or issue. The idea started as the brainchild of one single person, and has grown to a global movement, much the same as my lone protest in NYC was one person's effort to express his own dissatisfaction with the status quo.
What's the difference? With Earth Hour, the personal inconvenience to participate is near zero; the only requirement to participate is flipping a light switch to the "off" position. It doesn't get any easier than that.
If you believe in the cause of climate change and global warming, will you please join me this evening and and make a statement?