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Whats the point of Earth Hour?

Posted on 27th March, 2020

by earthhour.org.au

Earth Hour – 5th March, 2020

Switching off the lights for an hour every year - “How’s that meant to help fight climate change?” you might be wondering.

Earth Hour is about more than just switching off for sixty minutes. Millions of people around the world in over 180 countries and territories take part in Earth Hour as a pledge to help fight for our planet and demand stronger climate action.

93% of Australians who take part in Earth Hour believe that it’s a great symbol which inspires more action on climate change and to help protect the planet - not just for one hour but all year and always.

And it’s not just people either.

While Earth Hour may have started in Australia back in 2007, it’s now become the largest global grassroots movement for the environment.

The world’s biggest landmarks like the Empire State Building, London Bridge and Australia’s very own Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, switch off each year as a symbolic display of their commitment to the planet.

Why should I take part in Earth Hour?

Koala perched in a bare tree in Queensland, Australia © Shutterstock / WF / WWF

 

 

Our planet is in crisis. We’re destroying forests. Our oceans are choking on plastic. Wildlife populations are being decimated and our climate is changing rapidly, causing devastation across the globe.

“Our actions today, as individuals and the global community, have the power to transform what the world will look like for generations to come - the time to act against climate change is now.”
– Siddarth Das, Chief Executive of Earth Hour Global

We think we have time. But nature needs urgent support right now.

  • Wildlife population sizes have plummeted by 60% in less than 50 years.
  • 1 in 6 species are at risk of extinction due to climate change.
  • There could be more plastic in our oceans than fish by 2050.
  • Every two seconds, we lose an area of forest the size of a football field.
  • The UN estimates that we only have about 12 years to avoid climate catastrophe. We need urgent and unprecedented action now.

    Nature is our lifeline. It gives us life - the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. WIthout nature, we wouldn’t be able to survive.

    But there is a solution...

     

    How Earth Hour Helps

  • Earth Hour 2017 celebrations in South Korea © WWF-South Korea

     

    Your support for Earth Hour has helped and continues to help us find solutions for our planet’s biggest environmental challenges.

    Ever year, Earth Hour brings together individuals, communities and businesses to help restore our Earth. It gives them power to take action and conserve our planet - not only through the symbolic gesture of switching off the lights, but also through tangible actions.


    Across the globe, Earth Hour has inspired tree-planting events, beach cleanups, community gatherings, mass candlelit vigils and more. It highlights the environmental issues our Earth is facing and gives us motivation to find solutions. For some, it is the start of a very important conversation on what they can do to protect the planet.

    The power of our combined voices has already helped to:

     

  • Influence climate policy in countries like Russia, Argentina, Ecuador and Wales.
  • Successfully push for environmentally friendly laws, including a ban on plastic in the Galapagos Islands.
  • Plant half a million trees and inspire the world’s first Earth Hour protected forest in Uganda.
  • Create awareness among individuals and companies to reduce their carbon footprint and switch to sustainable lifestyles.
  • Replace toxic kerosene lamps with thousands of solar lights in rural communities of Papua New Guinea, helping provide hours of light for children to study, live and play.
  •  

    Kids with solar lights at Randwick City Council Earth Hour event in 2017 © Randwick City Council / WWF-Australia

     

    Earth Hour is a conversation starter and a momentum builder. It’s the perfect time to ensure people are empowered to be part of climate solutions.

    “Earth Hour reminds us that while people are on the front lines of climate change, they are also our first line of defence.”
    Siddarth Das, Chief Executive of Earth Hour Global

     

     

    Will you join millions across the globe in turning off the lights at 8:30pm local time on Saturday, 28 March 2020? It’s more than just switching off your lights, it’s time to send an urgent message to key Australian politicians to take action on climate change.

     

    SIGN UP FOR EARTH HOUR 2020



    Be part of the solution