"This message has come to us through the global village sharing channels. It originates with a French environmental organization called L'Alliance Pour La Planète http://www.lalliance.fr/ .
February 1st is this Thursday.
The 1st of February 2007:
Participate in the biggest mobilization of Citizens Against Global
Warming!
The Alliance for the Planet [a group of environmental associations] is calling on all citizens to create 5 minutes of electrical rest for the planet. People all over the world should turn off their lights and electrical appliances on the first of February 2007, at the following times:
* between 1.55 pm and 2.00 pm in New York
* 18.55 for London
* 19.55 for Paris, Bruxelles, and Italy.
* 1.55 pm in Ottawa/ Ontario
* 11:55 a.m. in Alberta
* 10.55 am on the Pacific Coast of North America.
This is not just about saving 5 minutes worth of electricity; this is
about getting the attention of the media, politicians, and ourselves. Five minutes of electrical down time for the planet: this does not take long, and costs nothing, and will show all political leaders that global warming is an issue that needs to come first and foremost in political debate. Why February 1? This is the day when the new UN report on global climate change will come out in Paris. This event affects us all, involves us all, and provides an occasion to show how important an issue global warming is to us. If we all participate, this action can have real media and political weight. Please circulate this call to your utmost ability to your network."
Please circulate this call to your utmost ability to your network.
Interestingly enough, nervous messages are now starting to come in from the government here in the Netherlands and in the US at least, saying that if many people would take part in this action, it could actually result in a massive power failure because during those five minutes there would simply be too much energy in the system with nowhere to go. People are therefore advised not to take part. It's sad that such a meaningful action might start more problems than solve them! It is a strange though that we are not only so dependant on energy, but that the energy is also so dependant on people to use it! What everyone does with that information is up to them I think. The two energy-saving bulbs and a computer that I usually have on during those five minutes will not play such a large role in a possible power failure, so they will be out!
I work for a Power company and would suggest that this is a VERY bad idea!
Without going into the technicals, if enough people participate you may want 5 minutes - you may get a lot longer!
All energy supply is forecast for peak loads. The daily occurances e.g. Morning Breakfast, dinnertime etc are planned in advance.
However, it is the really special occcasions that need a LOT of planning e.g. the interval during the final of the Superbowl or World cup when you all put your kettles on for a brew!
If you turn your power off and, more problematically, back on ON MASS, this is possibly like such a special event; its is dependant upon participation.
The turning it on may creat a surge in demand after a trough and have the system bouncing between 'famine and feast' without possibly any planning and protection by your power supplier. Unanticipated troughs of demand are not good, but surges are usually very very problematic.
Please note: Spikes and surges ruin computer equipment or, at least if you have one, cause you to replace your surge protector. $$
Please, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing , do NOT do this it is completely irresponsible.
I am NOT doing this and would urge you not to do it too.
Posted by Jim Erhardt on February 1, 2007 at 1:00 PM
I agree that there could be some very unintended consequences of such an action. And if terrorists wanted to take down global power grids, this would be a great way to do it. So I have to agree that this is a bad idea.
There have been calls for boycotts of buying gasoline on certain days. This would carry the same message without placing our power grids (and perhaps national security) in peril.
BTW, since I am now 100% self-employed, I have reduced my gasoline consumption by over 50%. We are also using energy-saving flourescent bulbs throughout our home and keep the heating thermostat set at 62 degrees. Conservation is the ultimate key to solving this problem.
Discussion
8 repliesFebruary 1st is this Thursday.
The 1st of February 2007:
Participate in the biggest mobilization of Citizens Against Global
Warming!
The Alliance for the Planet [a group of environmental associations] is calling on all citizens to create 5 minutes of electrical rest for the planet. People all over the world should turn off their lights and electrical appliances on the first of February 2007, at the following times:
* between 1.55 pm and 2.00 pm in New York
* 18.55 for London
* 19.55 for Paris, Bruxelles, and Italy.
* 1.55 pm in Ottawa/ Ontario
* 11:55 a.m. in Alberta
* 10.55 am on the Pacific Coast of North America.
This is not just about saving 5 minutes worth of electricity; this is
about getting the attention of the media, politicians, and ourselves. Five minutes of electrical down time for the planet: this does not take long, and costs nothing, and will show all political leaders that global warming is an issue that needs to come first and foremost in political debate. Why February 1? This is the day when the new UN report on global climate change will come out in Paris. This event affects us all, involves us all, and provides an occasion to show how important an issue global warming is to us. If we all participate, this action can have real media and political weight. Please circulate this call to your utmost ability to your network."
Please circulate this call to your utmost ability to your network.
Guy
Although the notice is short and many of us work, I think we should support this effort as much as possible. The issue is far too important to ignore.
Thanks,
Carol Hyman
http://hy-tec-training.com
Without going into the technicals, if enough people participate you may want 5 minutes - you may get a lot longer!
All energy supply is forecast for peak loads. The daily occurances e.g. Morning Breakfast, dinnertime etc are planned in advance.
However, it is the really special occcasions that need a LOT of planning e.g. the interval during the final of the Superbowl or World cup when you all put your kettles on for a brew!
If you turn your power off and, more problematically, back on ON MASS, this is possibly like such a special event; its is dependant upon participation.
The turning it on may creat a surge in demand after a trough and have the system bouncing between 'famine and feast' without possibly any planning and protection by your power supplier. Unanticipated troughs of demand are not good, but surges are usually very very problematic.
Please note: Spikes and surges ruin computer equipment or, at least if you have one, cause you to replace your surge protector. $$
Please, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing
I am NOT doing this and would urge you not to do it too.
There have been calls for boycotts of buying gasoline on certain days. This would carry the same message without placing our power grids (and perhaps national security) in peril.
BTW, since I am now 100% self-employed, I have reduced my gasoline consumption by over 50%. We are also using energy-saving flourescent bulbs throughout our home and keep the heating thermostat set at 62 degrees. Conservation is the ultimate key to solving this problem.