Senator Serrano Hosts Episode of "Represent NYC" Discussing Earth Hour on MNN1

José M. Serrano

March 21, 2015

(New York, NY)- Senator Serrano hosted an episode of "Represent NYC" on MNN1, a weekly program produced by Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN), that gives local elected officials the opportunity to update the community about the issues that shape our city. The Senator, along with guest panel experts, Marcia Bystryn, President of New York League of Conservation Voters and Aurash Khawarzad, Policy Coordinator at WE ACT for Environmental Justice, discussed issues surrounding climate change and specifically the global environmental action called Earth Hour. 

Earth Hour is an hour in which people across the globe turn off their lights and non-essential electronics for one hour. It is an international call to action and a worldwide phenomenon that grows bigger every year with more and more cities across the globe participating. By reducing overall power consumption for an hour, and thereby reducing fossil fuel usage at power plants, Earth Hour has a real and lasting effect around the world. This year's Earth Hour took place on Saturday, March 28th, from 8:30-9:30 PM

"Over the years we have seen the real and devastating effects that climate change has had in our communities. Neighborhoods in the South Bronx and East Harlem have some of the highest asthma rates anywhere in the world," said Senator Serrano. "Asthma is not the only thing plaguing our communities due to poor air quality and pollution. Recent studies have shown a direct correlation between air pollution and increased risk of stroke and other health problems. It is my hope that more and more people will participate in Earth Hour and will make it part of a fun and exciting tradition that will educate future generations about the importance of our environment. Turning off your lights for one hour  is a simple and easy way to have a tremendous impact on climate change."

To watch this important episode of "Represent NYC," CLICK HERE.