The occurrence of several catastrophic incidents in the past year, including extreme weather events, devastating wildfires and the COVID-19 outbreak, highlighted that preventing environmental loss is crucial for safeguarding our health and future.
Today at 8:30PM wherever you might be, it’s Earth Hour. By turning off non-essential lighting, this is a simple but powerful way for millions of people to send a very visible signal that they are concerned about our natural environment.
But Earth Hour goes far beyond the symbolic action of switching off - it has become a catalyst for positive environmental impact, driving major legislative changes by harnessing the power of the people and collective action. Started by WWF and partners as a symbolic lights-out event in Sydney, Earth Hour is now one of the world's largest grassroots movements for the environment.
In 2007, millions of people united to switch off their lights, calling attention to the wildlife, environmental and climate crises. More than a decade later, the climate crisis remains, made worse by another urgent threat: the rapid loss of biodiversity and nature.
"Healthy natural ecosystems are the cornerstone of thriving, equitable and sustainable societies. Our current socio-economic models are leading to the devastating destruction of nature which is increasing our vulnerability to pandemics, accelerating climate change, and placing livelihoods at risk.'' Marco Lambertini, Director General, WWF International.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, supporters are encouraged to share their voice for nature online and from their own homes, to ensure public health and physical distancing measures. Your health and safety are the top priority.
For more information and ways you can take action at home, Earth Hour