Viet Nam all set to switch power off for Earth Hour

This year it is expected that about 20 cities will register for the activity, an increase of six cities that participated last year, when Viet Nam participated in the Earth Hour campaign for the first time.

The main event will be held in HCM City with the participation of showbiz stars and Earth Hour Goodwill Ambassadors.

According to country director for the World Wild Fund Viet Nam Tran Minh Hien, the symbolic act of turning off electricity for an hour demonstrates the commitment of Viet Nam towards the Earth.

"As one of five countries most affected by climate change, Viet Nam should raise its profile on the international arena in terms of mitigating the greenhouse effects," she emphasised.

Deputy General Director of Electricity of Viet Nam (EVN) Nguyen Manh Hung said: "The Earth Hour 2010 event is an attempt to appeal to Vietnamese people to respond to the Government's programme on power saving."

Hung, whose company is not only a Gold sponsor but also one of the official ambassadors, said: "EVN will also reach out to schools and enterprises to promote more efficient economical use of electricity."