Founded by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, Earth Hour has since grown into a global phenomenon, with participation from over 190 countries and territories. Earth Hour is observed annually at 8:30 PM local time on March 22nd. This year, millions of people around the world dedicated nearly 3 million hours to demonstrate their unity and commitment to the planet. Notable public figures who amplified Earth Hour’s message include United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, the British Royal Family, Colombian model Ana Sofía Henao, Pakistani adventure athlete Samar Khan, Bollywood actress Dia Mirza, and the Japanese basketball team, Nagoya Diamond Dolphins.

Additionally, some of the world’s most famous landmarks participated by dimming their lights in a symbolic act of environmental solidarity. These landmarks include the UN Headquarters, the Sydney Opera House, the Shanghai Tower, the Seoul Tower, the Eiffel Tower, the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers, Burj Khalifa, The London Eye, and The Colosseum.

Goals of Earth Hour

Earth Hour is aimed at raising awareness about the effects of human activities on the environment and the importance of sustainable living. Its goal is to inspire actions that reduce carbon emissions, protect biodiversity, and promote environmental conservation. Additionally, the movement encourages individuals, communities, and organizations to collaborate in addressing environmental challenges and fostering sustainability.

How to Participate

Everyone can participate in this global event, no matter where you are, or, what time it is.

• Turn off lights and non-essential devices for one hour from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. local time.
• During this hour, participants are encouraged to engage in positive actions for the planet, such as planting trees, conserving water, adopting a plant-based diet, and promoting eco-friendly practices.
• Share your experiences about your Earth Hour activities on social media using the hashtag #EarthHour to inspire others to join in.

Turning off lights and non-essential electrical appliances for one hour, as people do during Earth Hour, may seem like a small action, but it can have a significant impact when combined with other efforts. One immediate benefit is that switching off lights and non-essential devices leads to reduced energy consumption, which in turn decreases the greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by power plants. Additionally, this reduction in energy use results in lower carbon emissions, which is beneficial for the climate.

In the long run, Earth Hour raises awareness about the importance of reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainable living. Moreover, participating in Earth Hour can inspire individuals to adopt energy-saving habits and make sustainable lifestyle choices. The event encourages community engagement and collective action, fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership in tackling climate change. Furthermore, the widespread involvement in Earth Hour can motivate policymakers to prioritize sustainability and renewable energy initiatives.

Earth Hour is an opportunity to pause and reflect on humanity's relationship with nature and the importance of sustaining it for future generations. The theme for Earth Hour 2025 is “Give an Hour for Earth.” This theme encourages individuals to reconnect with the Earth, learn more about it, restore its health, and inspire others to care for it—all to combat climate change.

REFERENCE

Information from https://www.earthhour.org/, www.wwf.org.hk/en and https://www.cbd.int/article/earth-hour-2025 was used in this story