EDITORIAL: An hour for the earth

In what promises to be a globally circumnavigating event akin to the fireworks spectaculars that rang in the new millennium, some 84 countries, 2,848 municipalities, 8,742 schools, 6,299 organizations, 21,014 businesses “” and counting “” are promising to turn off their lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. local time Saturday.

It’s called Earth Hour, and it’s sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund. Organizers say it’s a way for people around the world to “vote” on whether they believe in global warming and want global action to address climate change.

The effort has taken off.

People in countries from China to Greece to New Zealand will be switching off the lights to make a statement.

Even the Great Pyramids of Giza are planning to power down.

In Laguna Beach, the city and the water district, as well as “green” groups, are planning to shut off their lights and urging wide participation.

Citizens can take part by not only turning off the lights at home but by marching “” by candlelight “” from City Hall to Main Beach. The march starts at 8:15 p.m.

Whether or not you agree that global warming is happening, and whether it is man-made, Saturday’s event is a watershed not just for the environmental movement but for the idea that the people of this complex world can be on the same page about anything.

It’s a moment of global democracy. That in itself is quite an event.

In other “green” news, the California Integrated Waste Management Board announced this week that it is trying to expand markets for recycled materials “” for the first time since 1996.

It’s a response to “markets devastated by the global economic downturn.”

Businesses will be eligible for low-interest loans and other assistance to launch or expand recycled-product manufacturing ventures. The board is prepared to loan $2 million to existing and start-up businesses that use recyclables to “boost the green economy.” For more information, visit www.ciwmb.ca.gov.

Of course, most people agree that global warming must be stopped. The question is what to do about it.