Ashish Ranjan
Earth Hour is an annual global event that occurs on the last Saturday of March. This year, on March 25 at 8:30 p.m. local time, millions of supporters from over 190 countries and territories are anticipated to participate. Individuals are encouraged to turn off all lights and electrical appliances in their homes and workplaces for one hour to raise awareness of climate change issues and energy conservation.
This symbolic act, known as the “lights off” moment, unites people around the globe in a show of support for the planet and serves as a reminder of the environmental challenges we face. Together, we can raise awareness of the urgent need for action to defend the future of our planet.
How is the Earth Hour observed?
The “Earth Hour” encourages people to turn off all lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. local time and engage in activities such as reconnecting with nature, preparing meals, spending quality time with family and friends, and engaging in artistic expression.
Governments and businesses also participate by turning off unnecessary lights in their structures, monuments, and landmarks to raise awareness about the effects of energy consumption on our planet.
History
In 2007, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Sydney and its partners initiated a symbolic lights-out event to raise awareness of climate change. On March 31, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. local time in Sydney, residents were encouraged to turn off their lights for one hour as part of the inaugural celebration.
The following year, the event acquired international recognition and was celebrated by millions of people on March 29, 2008 across the globe. Since then, Earth Hour’s prominence has increased, and it is now observed annually on the last Saturday of March.
Significance
Since its inception, the Earth Hour event has grown substantially and now boasts global nation-wide support, with participants coming together to take action for a better future for our planet and its inhabitants.
Earth Hour has evolved from a simple lights-out event to a potent catalyst for positive environmental change in its seventeenth year. The event has evolved into a platform for influencing significant legislative changes through the collective power of individuals and their actions. According to the event’s official website, Earth Hour aims to motivate individuals, communities, and organizations around the globe to take action to protect the environment and create a sustainable future for all.
This one-hour event will have an effect?
Even though turning off the lights for one hour has a negligible impact on annual greenhouse gas emissions, this large-scale act of solidarity could serve as a wake-up call for people around the globe.
Hundreds of local celebrity influencers are anticipated to participate in Saturday’s Earth Hour, and several events to raise awareness about conservation efforts are scheduled.
