Earth Hour 2023: ‘Lights off’ at 8:30 pm today; read to know the reason

The 'Earth Hour' event urges people to switch off all lights and electrical appliances in their homes and businesses for an hour in order to raise awareness of climate change problems and promote energy saving.

'Earth Hour' is an annual worldwide event that takes place on the final Saturday of March, and this year, millions of supporters from more than 190 nations and territories are anticipated to participate on March 25 at 8.30 p.m. local time.

Individuals are encouraged to switch off all lights and electrical equipment in their homes and businesses for an hour in order to raise awareness of climate change problems and promote energy saving.

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This symbolic act, known as the "lights out" moment, connects people all around the world in a show of solidarity for the earth and serves as a reminder of the environmental difficulties we face. By banding together in this way, we can raise awareness of the critical need for action to safeguard the future of our world.

How is Earth Hour celebrated?

The "Earth Hour" campaign urges people to turn out all lights for an hour, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time, and participate in activities such as reconnecting with nature, making meals, spending quality time with family and loved ones, and being creative with art.

Governments and corporations also take part by turning down non-essential lights in their buildings, monuments, and landmarks to raise awareness about the environmental effect of electricity use.

History

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Sydney and its partners developed Earth Hour in 2007 as a symbolic lights-out event in Australia to raise awareness about climate change. The first commemoration took place on March 31, 2007, at 7:30 p.m. local time in Sydney, with individuals invited to turn out their lights for one hour.

The event received worldwide popularity the following year, and it was commemorated on March 29, 2008, with millions of people from all over the world taking part. Earth Hour's popularity has grown since then, and it is currently observed yearly on the final Saturday of March.

Significance

Since its beginnings, the Earth Hour event has expanded substantially, with people from all around the world joining together to take action for a brighter future for our planet and its inhabitants.

Earth Hour, now in its 17th year, has grown from a modest lights-out event to a strong catalyst for good environmental change. Through the collective power of people and their actions, the event has become a platform for effecting substantial legislative reforms. Earth Hour, according to the event's official website, strives to motivate individuals, communities, and organisations throughout the world to take real action to protect the environment and create a sustainable future for everyone.

Will there be an impact of this 1-hour event?

Although turning off the lights for an hour has minimal influence on yearly emissions, the gesture done in solidarity on a mass scale may serve as a wake-up call for people all around the world.

Hundreds of local celebrity influencers are scheduled to participate, and many activities to raise awareness about conservation initiatives are planned for Earth Hour on Saturday.