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. The earth!
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.
How Earth Hour began
Earth Hour was first launched in 2007 by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and partners in Sydney, Australia. Since then, it has since grown into the largest global grassroots movement for the environment. This year, WWF are encouraging people to go beyond the symbolic lights-out action by learning about, reconnecting with, and helping restore our environment. They are asking us to read up on biodiversity loss, spend some quiet time in nature, pick up litter, or plant native trees. In short, there are so many ways to celebrate Earth Hour.
“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.”
Also read: Clock spring forward one hour
Environmental challenges
Historically, Earth Hour has focused on the climate crisis, but more recently, it has strived to address a range of concerns facing people and the planet. The movement recognises the role of individuals in creating solutions to the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges and demonstrates the power of millions of people working together towards a common goal.
Individuals, communities, businesses and organisations in over 190 countries and territories will participate in tonight´s event. Major US landmarks such as the Empire State Building, the Space Needle, The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas, and the Willis Tower will all go dark for one hour.
Lights out for Earth Hour
Hundreds of important landmarks in Spain are also switching off their lights tonight for Earth hour. For example, in Barcelona alone, these include;
- Torre Agbar
- Santa Maria del Mar church
- Montjuic castle
- Sagrat Cor church on Tibidabo
- Barcelona Cathedral
- Sagrada Família
- La Pedrera
- Palau Nacional and Magic Fountain on Montjuïc
- Barcelona City Hall and Generalitat building on Plaça Sant Jaume
- Casa Batllo and La Pedrera on Passeig de Gracia
- Columbus monument
WWF
WWF is an international non-governmental organisation dedicated to the conservation and protection of the natural world. Founded in 1961, it operates in more than 100 countries around the world.
WWF works to address a variety of environmental issues, including climate change, habitat destruction, overfishing, and illegal wildlife trade. They work with governments, businesses, and communities to find sustainable solutions to these challenges and to promote conservation efforts.
One of WWF’s most well-known initiatives is the adoption of the giant panda as its logo. The panda has become a symbol of WWF’s commitment to protecting endangered species and their habitats. WWF also runs a variety of campaigns and programs aimed at educating the public about environmental issues and promoting sustainable lifestyles.
Visit worldwildlife.org to learn more.
