Never underestimate the power of voice and motivation... What started as an idea by three Aussie blokes around a dining table, is now a global battle to affect climate change. Reaching 600 cities in 77 countries around the globe, it's a cause that nature/environment-loving Bellaboo is all for supporting! Kate chats to Anna Fedeles, national manager of Earth Hour

What was the motivation for Earth Hour in 2007?
Climate change is the most serious threat our planet is facing. Earth Hour is a way to show people that small changes are easy to make and that every little step goes towards reducing your overall carbon footprint.

We also wanted to show that making changes is something we need to do together, because every individual plays their role in a bigger team. Earth Hour provides a visual symbol - if you can see your neighbours' lights are off and they can see yours are too, then you know you're working together.

How did this concept of Earth hour initially come about?
It was a really relaxed sort of formulation initially. It came from three people who all knew each other. They were having dinner and were brainstorming ideas on how they could make people understand how important the cause to stop global warming is. They basically wanted to show people that together they could make a difference and that there were so many people who shared the same goal and ideas on supporting the cause.

What does your role as the National manager for earth hour entail?
As the national manager for Earth Hour, I oversee the entire project around Australia. I make sure that the World Wildlife Fund ( WWF) is getting the message of preservation out there. I am ultimately responsible for whether the lights go on or off on the 28th of March. Through this message I also help support families, councils and business' who join the cause.

Why do you think it has become a major success?
Climate change is scary. Whenever I read firsthand experiences of climate change, such as WWF's Climate Witness, (www.panda.org/climatewitness), the need for change can seem overwhelming.

Earth Hour is successful because it channels people's desire to make a difference into something positive and communal. It allows everyone to take the first step on the journey towards sustainability.

For instance, on Earth Hour night you'll walk around your house or office switching off all your lights and taking electrical equipment off standby like mobile chargers, TVs and computer monitors. That simple act of walking around your home makes everyone realise just how much electricity we all use and how most of that equipment could be switched off standby all the time. It makes each person or each company understand that making positive changes is not overwhelming but is actually quite simple.

Stats wise, what are you expecting on the March 28th- the day of Earth Hour?
We are expecting 1 billion people around the world to take part in Earth hour. We are hoping to reach 11 million people in Australia.

How did you go about getting the initiative out onto an international scale?
Perhaps we shouldn't admit this, but it wasn't anything WWF did - it was the world who demanded we share Earth Hour with them! After the success of Earth Hour 2007, other Australian cities wanted to join in and then the news spread internationally. Suddenly the WWF team were flooded with requests from cities around the world that needed guidance and information. It was a huge job to manage because we really hadn't expected such success.

I think people really loved the fact that Earth Hour tackles climate change in a positive way and that the results are visible. Earth Hour is also apolitical, which means we don't align ourselves with any political parties. This event is open to everyone because it's up to us all to solve climate change.

Did you face rejection?
Of course. Like any event or campaign, there are critics. Some believe Earth Hour is a big stunt, but the reality is that it always takes a big wake-up call to get people moving and if Earth Hour can generate mass awareness about climate change and energy efficiency, then it's been a success.

Earth Hour is about public awareness so it's the first step. We need people to understand just how critical climate change issues are, particularly in 2009. In December, world leaders will meet in Copenhagen at the UN Climate Change Conference where they will negotiate the follow-up to the Kyoto Protocol and set world emission reduction targets. If our leaders don't agree on 25% reductions in 2009 then our planet's future might be in jeopardy.

Why is Earth Hour so important to you?
For me the most inspirational element about Earth Hour is that it brings people together. When the TV, computer and phones are off you can focus on the people around you. I think it helps to highlight the importance of friends and family and how we all rely on this planet. If we destroy it, we destroy our families and our future.

It's also really moving to know that all around the world, people of every gender, age, culture and religion are thinking and feeling the same as you. There's no other event that has brought people together in the same way and it's quite amazing. It just proves that this little planet gives life to us all and that in the end we all need to take care of it.

For new Earth Hour supporters, what would you say to them?
New supporters are crucial, especially young people. Let's face it, you're the ones who are going to end up with the mess after all the old folks muck it up. Young people might not be able to vote for their Prime Minister but they can participate in Earth Hour. By switching off your light, you can send a clear message to your parents, suburb and even the world that you support climate change solutions.

If you have a light switch, you're eligible to vote. It's the first real international election and citizenship and age is irrelevant. If you care about the planet, then sign up online and spread the word about Earth Hour to friends and family. You might also consider what long term changes you can make in your house or your school to improve your carbon footprint. There are so many things you can do, just check out www.earthhour.org

Have you had much support from the Australian government?
Yes, they have been extremely supportive. They are implementing climate change education in schools and leading up to Earth hour they are holding practice days where the kids can go home and inform there families on how important it is. I think our youths are at the heart of this campaign because it is the kids who are driving the parents to participate and make changes in their households. The great thing about Earth hour is that it is like a unanimous election. If you have a light switch you have a vote, so if parents don't agree to participate, the kids always have their bedroom lights to show their support.