Simple steps, such as turning off electric devices when not using, setting the air conditioners at 26 degrees, turning off the air conditioners 30 minutes before leaving the room… can have a significant impact on the environment. 

In response to the Earth Hour 2023 campaign (taking place from 20:30 to 21:30, Saturday, March 25, 2023), the “Clean, Affordable and Secure Energy for Southeast Asia” (CASE) project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), collaborated with Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and the Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee to co-organize the awareness raising event “Clean Energy – Green Earth” in the pedestrian zone around Hoan Kiem Lake. 

The event was organized with the desire to: 

• Raise public awareness as well as spread out the message about the use of clean energy and energy efficiency. 

• Create an open space for community, especially young generation to exchange and obtain clean energy-related knowledge. The youth will, therefore, actively participate in the climate protection process, build up a greener future, and contribute to the achievement of Viet Nam’s Net-zero commitment by 2050. 

In his opening speech, Vice Chairman of the Hoan Kiem District People’s Committee – Mr. Trinh Hoang Tung shared: “Climate change is happening on a global scale and is getting worse. 2023 is forecast to be the warmest year on record. Additionally, the global energy crisis has caused energy prices to skyrocket, which once again poses an urgent need to transition from traditional energy sources to clean, affordable and secure energy, as well as to use energy economically and efficiently. Relevant agencies, enterprises, community and particularly the young generation need to join hands to together achieve this goal.” 

The event was attended by prominent leaders and experts in the electricity industry. Mr. Vo Quang Lam, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Electricity, said that EVN is always a pioneer in the implementation of programs and initiatives on electricity saving in particularly and energy efficiency in general, including the Earth Hour. Although the amount of electricity saved in 1 hour responding to the Earth Hour is not much (about 400,000 kWh/year on average); however, the meaning of this event does not refer to this number, but the implication is the transformation in awareness and action of the community regarding energy saving and environmental protection. It is utmost important to practice saving activity frequently throughout 365 days of a year, creating a good habitude for community. 

The event included innovative and diverse forms such as display of visual models with explanation about wind power, solar power, biomass power for youth, models with solar PV assembling and tree planting for kids, as well as a knowledge contest for all ages…. 

Mr. Philipp Munzinger, Programme Director of GIZ Energy Support Programme said at the event: “In the past years, Viet Nam has impressed the global community not only by the fast-paced economic growth but also by the rapid expansion of renewable energy in the total energy mix along with many campaigns and measures to consume energy more efficiently. Now it is important to keep the momentum and move on in a swift and thoughtful way to take our Just Energy Transition on its right track. Earth Hour is a global movement that reminds us of the importance of protecting our planet. This symbolic event today is a call to action, urging us to reduce our carbon footprint and make more sustainable choices. We urge everyone to make sustainable choices not just during this event or within 60 minutes of Earth Hour, but in their everyday lives.” 

“Clean Energy – Green Earth” aims to make “renewable energy” and “economical and efficient use of energy” become a more familiar topic to the community, consequently, each and every individual better aware of their role in helping the country achieve its Net-zero goal.