Bangkok Goes Dark Briefly to Save Energy (global warming awareness)

http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/w-asia/2007/may/09/050905393.html

Sections of Thailand's glittery capital went dark for 15 minutes Wednesday as part of a campaign to raise awareness about global warming.

Mall storefronts and households across the city of 10 million switched off lights and appliances for 15 minutes from 7 p.m. The campaign - similar to earlier ones in Sydney, Paris, Rome and Athens - is projected to reduce Thailand's greenhouse gas emissions by 4,800 tons, city officials said.

Bangkok Gov. Apirak Kosayothin led off the festivities at one of the city's most luxurious malls, Central World Plaza, plunging the area into darkness as hundreds of shoppers clapped politely.

"This is not only about saving energy for this night," Apirak said, before switching off the lights. "It will raise continued awareness about energy conservation and I would like to encourage people to do it everyday."

<more>