P
eople are being urged to “switch off and give Earth an hour off” next Saturday to mark Earth Hour.
Millions around the world will switch off their lights to show they care about the future of our planet in the annual event which has become one of the world’s largest climate-positive movements.
Established by the World Wildlife Fund and partners in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour’s switch-off is supposed to remind us that even small actions can make a big difference.
And the 2023 event will take place on Saturday, March 25, at 8.30pm UK time, with organisers saying they want this to be the “biggest year yet” for people participating around the globe.
The WWF said: “When we make changes in our own lives and, when we share that with others, we also inspire the people around us to change — and we help grow a movement that businesses and governments can’t ignore.”
What is Earth Hour?
Organisers see Earth Hour as not just a gesture but a symbol of hope, unity, and collective action.
A family gathers for Earth Hour
/ Earth Hour
Wherever you are in the world, people are urged to show support for environmental issues affecting the planet by switching off lights for an hour between 8.30pm and 9.30pm.
On their website, the WWF said: “Earth Hour is open-source and we welcome everyone, anyone, to take part and help amplify our mission to unite people to protect our planet.
“What if an hour wasn’t just an hour, what if it made us think about all of our other hours?”
How else can I get involved?
There are plenty of free online events taking place, and more ideas about how you can get involved on the official website.
Supporters can also sign the Voice For The Planet petition to demand urgent political action to protect Earth and let world leaders know they care about nature.
Friends enjoy a vegetarian dinner by candlelight during Earth Hour
/ WWF / Jeremiah Armstrong
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What’s the legacy of the latest Earth Hour?
Earth Hour 2023 is billed as “Biggest hour for Earth”.
Earth Hour says: “With our presence in over 190 countries and territories, we can use the power of the people to turn a single Earth Hour into thousands and millions of hours of action and awareness, creating a domino effect of impact that continues well beyond the 60 minutes.
“Amidst our increasingly divided and polarized [sic] societies, the Biggest Hour for Earth becomes a precious moment of unity, reminding the world that our one shared home needs our help and that we all can – and must – play a part in protecting it.”
