Each year, millions of people across the world count down to Earth Hour and take one iconic action: switching off the lights.
The hour of darkness pulls us out of the busyness of our daily routines and allows us to reflect on the one home we all share. In the face of accelerating biodiversity loss and climate change, there has never been a more crucial time to come together and take action for our collective future.
What is Earth Hour?
‘Earth Hour’ is an annual global event that takes place on the last Saturday of March, and this year, on March 25 at 8.30 pm local time, millions of supporters from more than 190 countries and territories are expected to participate. The event encourages individuals to turn off all lights and electrical appliances at their homes and offices for an hour to promote awareness of climate change challenges and energy conservation.
History
Earth Hour was first launched in 2007 by WWF and partners in Sydney, Australia, and it has since grown into the largest global grassroots movement for the environment. This year, participants are encouraged to go beyond the symbolic lights-out action by learning about, reconnecting with, and helping restore our environment. Read up on biodiversity loss, spend some quiet time in nature, pick up litter, or plant native trees–there are so many ways to celebrate Earth Hour.
Significance
The Earth Hour event has grown significantly since its inception and now boasts supporters from global nations, all coming together to take action for a better future for our planet and its inhabitants.
Now in its 17th year, Earth Hour has evolved from a simple lights-out event to a powerful catalyst for positive environmental change. The event has become a platform for driving major legislative changes through the collective power of people and their actions. According to the official website of the event, Earth Hour aims to inspire individuals, communities, and organizations worldwide to take meaningful action to protect the environment and create a sustainable future for all.
“For 16 years, Earth Hour has engaged millions of people the world over with a simple ask to switch off their lights for 60 minutes. But its meaning has become so much more than that,” said Chris Conner, vice president of media and external affairs. “Nature needs us. People need us. Our climate needs us. Earth Hour is an opportunity for us all to come together, not only to celebrate everything our planet provides us, but also to protect it.”
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