Switching off the lights for an hour every year - “How’s that meant to help fight climate change?” you might be wondering.
Earth Hour is about more than just switching off for sixty minutes. Millions of people around the world in over 190 countries and territories take part in Earth Hour as a pledge to help fight for our planet and demand stronger climate action.
93% of Australians who take part in Earth Hour believe that it’s a great symbol that inspires more action on climate change and helps protect the planet - not just for one hour but all year and always.
And it’s not just people switching off either.
While Earth Hour may have started in Australia back in 2007, it’s now become the largest global grassroots movement for the environment.
The world’s biggest landmarks, like the Empire State Building, London Bridge and Australia’s own Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, switch off each year as a symbolic display of their commitment to the planet.
Why should I take part in Earth Hour?
Our planet is in crisis. We’re destroying forests. Our oceans are choking on plastic. Wildlife populations are being decimated, and our climate is changing rapidly, causing devastation across the globe.
“Our actions today, as individuals and the global community, have the power to transform what the world will look like for generations to come - the time to act against climate change is now.”
– Siddarth Das, Chief Executive of Earth Hour Global
We think we have time. But nature needs urgent support right now.
- Wildlife population sizes have plummeted by 60% in less than 50 years.
- 1 in 6 species is at risk of extinction due to climate change.
- There could be more plastic in our oceans than fish by 2050.
- Every two seconds, we lose an area of forest the size of a football field.
- The UN estimates that we only have about 12 years to avoid climate catastrophe. We need urgent and unprecedented action now.
Nature is our lifeline. It gives us life - the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. Without nature, we wouldn’t be able to survive.
But there is a solution...
How Earth Hour Helps
Your support for Earth Hour has helped and continues to help us find solutions for our planet’s biggest environmental challenges.
Every year, Earth Hour brings together individuals, communities and businesses to help restore our Earth. It gives them the power to take action and conserve our planet - not only through the symbolic gesture of switching off the lights but also through tangible actions.
Across the globe, Earth Hour has inspired tree-planting events, beach cleanups, community gatherings, mass candlelight vigils and more. It highlights the environmental issues our Earth is facing and gives us the motivation to find solutions. For some, it is the start of a very important conversation on what they can do to protect the planet.
The power of our combined voices has already helped:
- Influence climate policy in countries like Russia, Argentina, Ecuador and Wales.
- Successfully push for environmentally friendly laws, including a ban on plastic in the Galapagos Islands.
- Plant half a million trees and inspire the world’s first Earth Hour protected forest in Uganda.
- Create awareness among individuals and companies to reduce their carbon footprint and switch to sustainable lifestyles.
- Replace toxic kerosene lamps with thousands of solar lights in rural communities of Papua New Guinea, helping provide hours of light for children to study, live and play.
Earth Hour is a conversation starter and a momentum builder. It’s the perfect time to ensure people are empowered to be part of climate solutions.
“Earth Hour reminds us that while people are on the front lines of climate change, they are also our first line of defence.”
– Siddarth Das, Chief Executive of Earth Hour Global
Will you join millions across the globe in turning off the lights at 8:30pm local time on Saturday 25 March 2022? Together, let’s take #TimeOutForNature this Earth Hour and appreciate the incredible benefits nature provides us.
