Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF QUEZON
QUEZON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
LUCENA CITY

Name: Apple A. Nuera Score: ______

Maria Sofia Kristelyn Capuchino
Raiden Romaguerra
Cedrick Fajilan
Section: G11-HUMSS Bacchus Date Submitted: March 26,2024

READING AND WRITING SKILLS

Critique Paper

The article “Earth Hour 2024 calls for Filipinos to switch off lights and

single-use plastics” focuses light on the critical issues of biodiversity loss and

climate change, as well as the significance of the Earth Hour 2024 effort in

solving these challenges. The article, written by Ana Chavez, talks about the

importance of Earth Hour 2024 in mobilizing Filipinos to save energy and

prevent plastic pollution. The article’s major focus is on WWF-Philippines’

efforts, in conjunction with Manila City Local Government and other

stakeholders, to create awareness and take action against plastic pollution.

And I think this project is really helpful not only for the Philippines’

environment, but also for the whole world and our nature. The goal of this

critique Is to assess the success of the Earth Hour 2024 project in promoting

environmental sustainability and addressing biodiversity loss and climate

change in the Philippines. This critique uses an investigation of the article to

examine the Earth Hour initiative’s strengths and weaknesses as well as its

potential influence on boosting public awareness and encouraging collective

action. The initiative’s focus on addressing plastic pollution, in partnership

with the Manila City Local Government, reflects the pressing environmental

concerns facing the Philippines. With only 9% of plastic waste recycled

annually, the initiative emphasizes the critical need for concerted efforts to

reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices. Through Earth

Address: M.L. Tagarao Street, Ibabang Iyam, Lucena City
Email Address: quezonhigh@yahoo.com
301502@deped.gov.ph
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF QUEZON
QUEZON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
LUCENA CITY

Hour, the Philippines aims to galvanize public awareness and action towards

environmental conservation, positioning itself as a leader in the global fight

against climate change and plastic pollution. Through Earth Hour 2024,

Filipinos have an opportunity to play a vital role in addressing pressing

environmental concerns and fostering a more sustainable future for our planet.

The Earth Hour 2024 Initiative in the Philippines is a remarkable call to action,

urging Filipinos to tackle two of the planet’s most pressing environmental

challenges: biodiversity loss and climate change. The initiative highlights the

critical role of individuals and communities in safeguarding nature by

advocating for energy conservation and the reduction of plastic pollution.

One of the focal points of Earth Hour 2024 is the dire need to address plastic

pollution, particularly in the Philippines, where a staggering 2 million tons of

plastic waste is generated annually, with only 9% being recycled. The text

highlights the detrimental impact of plastic pollution on the environment and

public health, emphasizing the critical importance of addressing this issue.

Partnerships with local governments, businesses, and civil society

organizations are key strengths of the initiative, demonstrating a collaborative

approach to combating plastic pollution. Manila City’s commitment to

becoming a Plastic Smart City and implementing measures to reduce plastic

waste leakage exemplifies the potential impact of such partnerships in driving

meaningful change.

Address: M.L. Tagarao Street, Ibabang Iyam, Lucena City

Email Address: quezonhigh@yahoo.com
301502@deped.gov.ph
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF QUEZON
QUEZON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
LUCENA CITY

While Earth Hour is portrayed as a global movement, the text primarily focuses

on the Philippines, potentially overlooking the broader context of global

environmental challenges. Greater emphasis on solutions beyond reducing

plastic pollution and more comprehensive discussion on other environmental

issues could further strengthen the initiative’s impact and effectiveness. The

Earth Hour 2024 Initiative effectively communicates the urgency of addressing

environmental issues and mobilizes individuals and organizations to take

concrete actions. By highlighting specific examples and statistics, it provides

credibility and support for its arguments, laying the groundwork for collective

action towards a more sustainable future.

Furthermore, this initiative also serves as a reminder of the need to address

the root causes of environmental problems, such as climate change and

biodiversity loss. The text underscores the importance of individual and

collective responsibility in promoting sustainable practices and reducing

carbon emissions. The Earth Hour 2024 initiative in the Philippines is a bold

and inspiring call to action that highlights the crucial role of individuals and

communities in safeguarding nature. By advocating for energy conservation

and the reduction of plastic pollution, this initiative serves as a timely reminder

of the urgent need to address environmental challenges and mobilize collective

action towards a more sustainable future.

Earth Hour 2024 is a unique environmental initiative that focuses on collective

action and a grassroots approach to combat plastic pollution and climate

Address: M.L. Tagarao Street, Ibabang Iyam, Lucena City

Email Address: quezonhigh@yahoo.com
301502@deped.gov.ph
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF QUEZON
QUEZON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
LUCENA CITY

change. While many campaigns exist around the world that address these

issues, Earth Hour stands out for mobilizing millions of people across the globe

to participate in a symbolic but impactful act of switching off lights for one

hour. One similar initiative is the “Plastic Free July” campaign, which aims to

reduce plastic consumption throughout July. However, Earth Hour’s focus on a

specific hour of collective action sets it apart in terms of originality and impact.

By uniting people in a synchronized effort, Earth Hour creates a visible and

widespread demonstration of solidarity and commitment to environmental

conservation.

Earth Hour recognizes the interconnectedness between biodiversity loss,

climate change, and plastic pollution and takes a comprehensive approach to

address these issues. The initiative not only highlights the environmental

impacts of plastic pollution but also underscores its implications for public

health and marine ecosystems. This holistic approach strengthens its impact

by addressing multiple dimensions of the problem.

In conclusion, the Earth Hour 2024 initiative in the Philippines emerges as a

vital call to action, urging Filipinos to confront the pressing environmental

challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. Led by WWF-Philippines

and supported by the Manila City Local Government and other stakeholders,

this initiative mobilizes individuals and communities to conserve energy and

combat plastic pollution. While the initiative demonstrates strengths in

partnership-building and advocacy, there remains a need for broader

Address: M.L. Tagarao Street, Ibabang Iyam, Lucena City

Email Address: quezonhigh@yahoo.com
301502@deped.gov.ph
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF QUEZON
QUEZON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
LUCENA CITY

contextualization of global environmental issues beyond plastic pollution.

Nonetheless, Earth Hour 2024 serves as a powerful reminder of the collective

responsibility to safeguard nature and promote sustainability. By uniting

people in a synchronized effort, Earth Hour fosters solidarity and commitment

to environmental conservation, making strides towards a more sustainable

future for the Philippines and the world.

Address: M.L. Tagarao Street, Ibabang Iyam, Lucena City

Email Address: quezonhigh@yahoo.com
301502@deped.gov.ph