Accordingly, the question raised is no longer how many light bulbs are turned off, but how many emissions can be reduced.
According to WWF-Vietnam data, the energy sector accounts for 65% of total greenhouse gas emissions, while the industrial sector consumes nearly half of the country's total energy. This reality shows that electricity saving actions in daily life only affect a small part of the problem.
Most of the emissions are in production systems, which are still heavily dependent on fossil fuels, especially in key export industries such as textiles and wood processing. Therefore, Earth Hour 2026 does not just stop at the message of "turning off lights", but aims to promote changes in production - places with greater emission reduction potential.
According to WWF-Vietnam, one of the solutions emphasized is industrial electrification. This is the process of replacing fuel-fueled technologies with electrical devices such as heat pumps, electric boilers - technologies that can help cut emissions right at the "hot spot" of the production line.
Recent studies show that in light industries such as textiles and wood processing, electrification can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% and save 30–50% of energy if combined with renewable sources of power.
On a large scale, this is not only a technical improvement, but also an opportunity to reduce emissions throughout the system. Not only environmentally significant, this transformation is also associated with the competitiveness of businesses.
As international markets tighten green standards, the use of clean energy and emission transparency becomes a condition for maintaining orders. Transitional pressure therefore comes from both domestically and internationally. Vietnam has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, while promoting renewable energy. Meanwhile, international brands are increasingly demanding emission reduction in the supply chain.
However, electrification is not an easy path. High initial investment costs, unsynchronized electricity infrastructure, along with technical limitations and support policies are still major barriers. Economic efficiency depends on electricity prices and access to clean electricity. However, pilot models in Vietnam have shown positive signs.
Some businesses have tested heat pump systems to replace fuel, or installed rooftop solar power to supplement clean electricity. Initial results recorded energy saving, improved efficiency and significant emission reduction.
In some wood industry enterprises, electricity savings reach about 17%, while heat use efficiency increases by 40–60%. These results show that Vietnamese enterprises can completely catch up with the green production trend if they have an appropriate roadmap and necessary support.
In this process, the role of technical support organizations is increasingly clear, from research, solution consulting to policy proposals to remove difficulties. At the same time, communication activities within Earth Hour 2026 also contribute to bringing the concept of electricity closer to the community.
After 20 years, Earth Hour is transforming from a campaign to raise awareness to promote action. Not just stopping at turning off power for an hour, the current goal is to "turn on" changes in the entire energy system. In that picture, each individual also plays a certain role. Choosing environmentally friendly products, supporting businesses to use clean energy or spreading sustainable solutions all contribute to creating positive pressure on the market.
When demand changes, production will change. And from there, Earth Hour is no longer just a symbol, but becomes the starting point for deeper transformations. The next step of Earth Hour is therefore not only to turn off what is unnecessary, but also to "turn on" solutions in places that are rarely seen – but are decisive for the future of sustainable development.
