FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Chuck Myron

Environmental and Peace Education Center

Fort Myers, FL

P: (863) 273-1090

E: cmyron@onemain.com

Worldwide climate change event draws near

Southwest Floridians can join nearly 1 billion in environmental push

FORT MYERS, Fla. (March 24, 2010) — A simple flick of a switch becomes much more meaningful in a few days.

Close to a billion people around the globe, and millions in the U.S., are expected to take part Saturday in Earth Hour 2010, the world’s largest movement designed to rally support for action to stem climate change.

The Environmental and Peace Education Center (EPEC), a Fort Myers-based nonprofit group, wants Southwest Floridians to take part by turning off all nonessential lighting in the home or office for one hour beginning at 8:30 p.m.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which is organizing the event, hopes those who will be flicking the switch will also sign the Earth Hour Pledge online at earthhour.org.

The more people who show their support for fighting the dangerous effects of climate change, the more pressure there will be on local, state and national governments to take action.

Florida is not one of 25 states to have signed the pledge. Climate change, if allowed to continue, could make the Sunshine State more vulnerable to powerful hurricanes, beach erosion, and northward migration of dangerous tropical pests.

Businesses like Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo and IKEA, and landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Eiffel Tower and Sydney Opera House have signed the pledge as well.

About EPEC

The Environmental and Peace Education Center, founded in 1982, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Fort Myers and dedicated to raising awareness of nonviolent conflict resolution and global sustainability across Southwest Florida.