Earth Hour: A Global Initiative for Environmental Protection

What is Earth Hour?

Earth Hour is a global movement organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). This event is observed annually on the last Saturday of March from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, encouraging individuals, communities, and businesses to turn off non-essential lights for one hour. The objective is to spread awareness about climate change and energy conservation while demonstrating commitment to protecting the Earth.

The initiative began in Sydney, Australia in 2007, when the first “Lights Off” campaign urged people to switch off electricity. Over time, this movement expanded worldwide, with numerous countries and cities actively participating. In cases where Holy Saturday coincides with the last Saturday of March, the event is observed a week earlier. For example, in 2024, Earth Hour was observed on March 23.

History and Origin of Earth Hour

1. 2004-2007: Concept and Beginning
   1. In 2004, WWF Australia, in collaboration with advertising agency Leo Burnett Sydney, formulated a plan to address the growing threats of climate change. In 2006, they proposed a large-scale “switch-off” event under the name “The Big Flick.” Subsequently, on March 31, 2007, the first-ever Earth Hour was held in Sydney, with thousands of individuals and businesses participating. The success of this initiative inspired other nations, making it a global movement in 2008.
2. 2008: The First International Event
   On March 29, 2008, Earth Hour was observed globally for the first time. Around 35 countries and over 400 cities took part. Iconic landmarks worldwide supported the campaign by turning off unnecessary lights. Even Google’s homepage switched to dark mode to mark the event. In the United States alone, 36 million people participated, leading to a 4% increase in environmental awareness.

• Some Key Statistics:
  • In Bangkok, Thailand, electricity consumption was reduced by 73.34 megawatts,
  • lowering carbon dioxide emissions by 41.6 tons.
  • The Philippines saved 102.2 megawatts of electricity.
  • Toronto, Canada, saw an 8.7% reduction in power consumption.
  • Ireland experienced a 1.5% nationwide drop in electricity use.
  • In Christchurch, New Zealand, energy demand fell by 13%.

3. 2009: “Vote Earth” Campaign
   1. The 2009 theme was “Vote Earth,” aimed at gathering support for the UN Climate Change Conference 2009. 88 countries and 4,159 cities participated in Earth Hour.
   2. Major Highlights:
      1. Lights were switched off at the Sphinx and the Great Pyramid of Egypt.
      2. 647 cities in the Philippines, involving over 10 million people, took part.
      3. Sweden recorded a 5% drop in power consumption.
      4. Vietnam’s electricity demand is reduced by 140 megawatt-hours.
4. 2010-2011: “60+” and Beyond
   1. 2010: Earth Hour expanded to 126 countries, with major global landmarks such as the Empire State Building, Big Ben, Eiffel Tower, and Sydney Opera House going dark.
   2. 2011: The campaign introduced the tagline “Beyond the Hour,” encouraging long-term environmental action beyond the symbolic one-hour observance. 135 countries and 5,251 cities took part.
5. 2012: Earth Hour Headquarters Moved to Singapore
   1. Earth Hour’s global headquarters moved from Sydney to Singapore.
   2. A launch event was held at ION Orchard, Singapore, on February 20, 2012.
   3. On March 31, 2012, 152 countries and over 7,000 cities participated.
   4. For the first time, Earth Hour was observed from space, with Dutch astronaut André Kuipers tweeting from orbit.
6. 2013: First Earth Hour Forest in Uganda
   1. To avoid overlapping with European Summer Time and the Easter weekend, Earth Hour was held on March 23, 2013. This year, Uganda launched the first “Earth Hour Forest” project, pledging to plant 250,000 trees across 2,700 hectares.
   2. In Russia, WWF collected over 100,000 signatures for a petition advocating forest law reforms, prompting discussion in the Russian Parliament (Duma).
7. 2014: Launch of Earth Hour Blue Crowdfunding Platform
   1. Earth Hour Blue, a crowdfunding platform, was introduced, raising over $60,000 for environmental projects.
   2. Key campaigns included protecting the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and launching the Blue Sky App in China to monitor air quality.
8. 2015: “Change Climate Change” Theme
   1. Held on March 28, 2015, under the theme “Change Climate Change”.
   2. 170 countries and over 1,200 iconic landmarks participated.
   3. Funds were raised for solar energy distribution projects in India and the Philippines.
9. 2016: Earth Hour’s 10th Anniversary
   1. Held on March 19, 2016, with participation from almost every country.
   2. The event was canceled in Östersund, Sweden, due to security concerns.
10. 2017-2019: Expansion and Growing Participation
    1. By 2019, Earth Hour was observed in 188 countries.
    2. Nguyễn Phương Khánh, Miss Earth 2018 from Vietnam, became the campaign’s ambassador, promoting energy conservation.
11. 2020: First Digital Earth Hour Due to COVID-19
    1. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Earth Hour was conducted digitally on March 28, 2020.
    2. Key figures like UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Pope Francis, and Greta Thunberg actively participated.
12. 2021-2024: Recent Observances
    1. 2021: Held on March 27.
    2. 2022: Observed on March 26.
    3. 2023: Rebranded as “Biggest Hour for Earth,” emphasizing community-driven environmental action.
    4. 2024: Held on March 23, with a focus on plastic pollution in the Philippines.

Impact of Earth Hour

While Earth Hour is a symbolic initiative, its real impact is substantial. A 2014 study found that electricity consumption drops by an average of 4% during Earth Hour, sending a strong message about the importance of energy conservation in combating climate change.

Why is Earth Hour Important?

• Energy Conservation: Helps save millions of megawatts of electricity, reducing strain on energy resources.
• Environmental Awareness: Encourages people to take action against climate change.
• Global Unity: Unites people worldwide in environmental responsibility.
• Reduced Carbon Emissions: Helps lower the global carbon footprint.
• Promotes Sustainable Living: Inspires long-term sustainable habits.

Earth Hour in India

India has been an active participant in Earth Hour.

• 2011: Then Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and actress Vidya Balan supported the movement.
• 2015: Iconic landmarks like Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, and Gateway of India turned off their lights.
• 2021: Despite the pandemic, millions of Indians participated via digital platforms.

Criticism and Controversies

• Effectiveness Debate: Critics argue that one hour of energy savings is negligible and has no long-term impact.
• Increased Candle Use: Some claim that using candles, often petroleum-based, could offset energy savings.
• Opposition Movements: Some organizations launched counter-campaigns like “Human Achievement Hour,” celebrating industrialization and modern technology.

How to Participate?

• Turn off non-essential lights in your home, office, or institution.
• Spread awareness on social media.
• Involve your community and schools.
• Adopt energy-saving technologies like LED bulbs, solar power, and recycling.
• Join WWF-organized events and campaigns.

Conclusion

Earth Hour is more than just turning off lights for an hour—it symbolizes a long-term commitment to sustainable living and environmental conservation. Despite some criticisms, its positive impact and widespread awareness make it a crucial global movement.

Also Read:

• World Water Day 2025: Importance and Info related to Water
• International Forest Day 2025: A Significant Initiative