Egils Levits
Zemes stundā izslēgs Rīgas pils apgaismojumu
On Saturday, 28 March, from 8:30pm – 9:30pm, in a display of solidarity and climate awareness, millions of people across the globe will unite for the biggest environmental action, Earth Hour. To support the Earth Hour, Chancery of the President of Latvia has decided to switch off the lights of the Riga Castle building and property.

‘Earth Hour demonstrates people’s solidarity, the ability to unite for universal common good. It shows the global commitment to slow down the climate change and preserve the environmental diversity for future generations. Chancery of the President of Latvia supports Earth Hour because it promotes solidarity with nature. Individual solidarity that we can show by changing our daily habits and reducing environmental footprint, and national and global solidarity that we can show by being civically engaged and actively involved in supporting the tackling of climate problems and implementation of climate initiatives important for the society,’ pointed out the Head of the Chancery Andris Teikmanis.

2020 marks the thirteenth consecutive year of Earth Hour. The biggest global environmental action is supported by millions of people in more than 180 countries and states. It is a symbolic act – by switching off the light for one hour you show your support for immediate response to climate change and dwindling environmental variety. ‘Lights in the Riga Castle, garden and square will be dimmed to a point that is safe for the residence of the President of Latvia. We urge other public institutions to be mindful of their symbolic duty to show Latvia’s commitment to be climate neutral despite the state of emergency declared in Latvia,’ reminded Andris Teikmanis.