Millions of people all over the world will be switching their lights off for an hour at 8:30pm on Saturday 28th March to show their commitment to protecting the environment.
Why take part in Earth Hour?
As a society, we consume vast amounts of resources, contribute significantly to climate change and cause biodiversity loss; you might be asking yourself how turning your lights off for an hour can help with any of this? Well, directly, it doesn't - but it's the dedication, commitment and intent symbolised by the act of turning your lights out that really counts. Millions of people from many different countries and backgrounds will unite to show their shared interest in the protection of the world we live in. Every year, Earth Hour raises awareness and sparks projects and discussions about the extensive challenges faced by our planet.
By doing something as simple as turning off your lights for one hour, you are showing that the health of the planet we live on matters to you. Youa re showing that you care about the fate of our world, and together, our commitment can make a difference from small changes at home to new environmental projects to government policy changes.
As Thomas Edison said, "The Earth is what we all have in common.".
So, how can you take part?
Turn off your lights: For one hour between 8:30 and 9:30pm on Saturday switch off any non-essential lights in your house; be careful not to hurt yourself by walking around in complete darkness! Use small lamps, torches or even candles (but please make sure there is a responsible adult supervising the use of candles, and try not to contribute to global warming by burning your house down).
Take it a step further and turn off all non-essential electronic devices like computers, tvs, phones,...
Sign this petition to make your voice heard: Tell world leaders that action needs to be taken now to stop environmental destruction. It takes less than 60 seconds, and the more people who take part, the more the politicians will listen.
Earth Hour Activities: Normally there are events and gatherings taking place in communities all across the world, but unfortunately that won't be possible this year, so check out this website to see a list of fun activities you can do at home with your family.
Follow the hashtags on social media: # connect2earth, # earthhour, # wwf, # lights and many more
What has Earth Hour achieved so far?
Since it started in 2007, the movement has made many significant achievements:
The first Earth Hour forest was planted in Uganda to combat the 6000 hectares of forest that is destroyed each month.
In 2014 the Galapagos Islands which are a UNESCO world heritage site became the first province in Ecuador to ban plastic bags other pieces of disposable packaging.
In 2018 in French Polynesia, Earth Hour used public support to pressure the government into classifying 5 million square kilometers of the South Pacific as Managed Marine Area; helping to protect marine ecosystems.
188 countries, thousands of landmarks and millions of people took part in last year's Earth Hour.
Want to find out more?
Have a look this list of fun Earth Hour activities to do at home.
This website with interesting articles about environmental issues, projects and events.
Read this WWF article about Earth Hour 2020.
Earth hour represents a moment of silence from us to mother nature to all we have left potentially destroyed. It's a pay of respect to our environment and paves a path in which we can give nature a break and a breather from our exploitation. It gives us time to reflect on how we can contribute to help our planet.
Really interesting post Maddy. Was there any evidence of how widely this was embraced? I'd imagine that the number of news hours was very limited due to the situation we find ourselves in.