The lights will go out at many of the world’s most iconic landmarks for an hour starting at 8.30 pm local time whereever you are on Saturday 19 March as part of Earth Hour.
Sites going out of sight should include Sydney Opera House, the Empire State Building, Golden Gate bridge, Table Mountain, the Colosseum in Rome, Petronas Towers, Big Ben, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and the Acropolis
The darkening event, the 10th of its kind, is organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to show what effect human actions have on climate, the environment, and by extension, the world’s animals. Over 7000 cities and towns officially participate but the idea is to get as many people across the golobe as possible to flick their light switches. To accompany this, the WWF have designed the ‘Donate Your Power’ Facebook app to spread the word.
“Social media knows no physical boundaries and neither does climate change. A simple action on social media is the kind of powerful statement that can excite friends and communities to be a part of the climate action we need to take on this global challenge,” said Siddarth Das, Executive Director at Earth Hour Global.
The app will encourage people from all over the world to share climate issues facing their region, and general opinions about renewable energy and the environment. People will also be encouraged to share information about the day through Twitter, and a special Earth Hour filter will be available to place on the profile picture.
A film has also been made to promote Earth Hour – ‘The Future Starts Today’, – has been released across Earth Hour’s websites and channels today. The film intends to show the world how actions taken today can affect the world tomorrow, specifically when climate concerns are considered.
“Climate action today will decide the future of our planet for generations to come. As more people sign up, an increasing number of individuals will be able to see how climate action starts with each of us, here and now,” said Siddarth Das.
The Earth Hour campaign intends to drive grassroots movements for global action against continuing climate change and the risks it can pose to the environment. Using social media, and online campaigns, in addition to the film, WWF aims to electrify the public into taking a stand.
By launching a petition for 100% renewable energy in Spain, pushing for the protection of forests and biodiversity across Africa, and working with governments in Southeast Asia, the Earth Hour campaign hopes its efforts will extend beyond one hour of darkness, and shine a lasting light on the plight of the environment.
