Tomorrow, March 29, around the planet, millions of people will shut non-essential electrical power off for one hour, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., local time. The Earth Hour originated with the World Wildlife Fund.

The event started last year in Sydney, Australia, and boasted more than 2 million participants who cut the city's overall electrical usage during that hour by as much as 10%. As of yesterday, nearly 12,000 businesses worldwide had signed up to participate in this year's event. Some 100 cities throughout North America have joined.

Earth Hour has been pooh-poohed by some as a lame, symbolic act in the face of a gargantuan problem. But often much of the criticism about a baby-step like this one comes from people who sit on their butts rather take the big steps they say are needed.

The biggest step, of course, is weaning ourselves off the fossil-fuel teat, something most individuals can only have a modest impact on in their own lives. But all of us can collectively pressure our governments - city, county, state, federal - to take bold action. Since Ronald Reagan gutted the best parts of Jimmy Carter's energy plan in 1981, not more than a handful of federal officials (or candidates for high office) have been willing even to discuss seriously the initiatives so desperately needed. Indeed, quite a number have engaged in three decades of foot-dragging and spouting bogus science. But we're starting to see some attitudinal changes among previously recalcitrant politicians.

Symbolism obviously has its limits, but events like Earth Hour can have a positive impact. We too often underrate the benefits and spin-offs of such political theater. So, tomorrow, please join me and millions of others who will be switching off our power at 8 p.m.

Days since Mission Accomplished: 1795

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