Earth Hour - March 29, 2025

What is Earth Hour?

Earth Hour is a movement to give our planet an hour of peace by switching off the non-essential lights. It is an environmental drive organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The campaign also brings attention to the rapidly changing climate.

Even with all the technology, we need nature to survive and thrive. Earth Hour reminds us that we make a difference to the earth. This can inspire others to work for the betterment of our planet. The day gives us the chance to do our part for nature.

Earth Hour All Quick Overview

• Category: Environmental
• Where It’s Marked: Globally
• Why It’s Marked: The day is held to encourage individuals, communities, and societies to switch off their lights for an hour on the last Saturday of March to show commitment to the planet.

History Of Earth Hour

Earth Hour came into thinking in 2004. Andy Ridley, Co-Founder of Earth Hour, partnered with Leo Burnett and Fairfax Media from WWF Australia to draw attention to the rising issue of climate change.

WWF Australia approached Leo Burnett Sydney, an advertisement agency, with scientific information to help them engage Australians in climate change issues. Thus, the switching off of lights came into action in 2006 as “The Big Flick.”

The concept was still not broad and didn’t reach many people, so WWF Australia reached out to Fairfax Media and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore. They presented the concept, and both parties loved it, deciding to help the event.

Then, the first official Earth Hour took place on March 31, 2007, in Sydney, Australia, where more than 2.2 million people and over 2,000 organizations participated. Following Sydney’s Earth Hour, San Francisco held its “Lights Out” program in October 2007. Earth Hour was the inspiration behind it, and so later, in March 2008, they carried it out by incorporating it into Earth Hour.

On March 29, 2008, about 35 countries and more than four hundred cities took part in support of the event, which was the introduction of the first international observance of Earth Hour. That year, many world landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, switched off their non-essential lights from 8 pm to 9 pm (local time).

Moreover, Google also decided to join in and turned their homepage dark on the day. The noteworthy fact is that after Earth Hour, the participating countries and areas noticed a significant megawatt-hour and carbon dioxide drop.

For example, Thailand and Bangkok noticed a reduction of 73.34 megawatts-hours and 41.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide only from the one-hour lights off. Moreover, Dubai saved about 100 megawatts-hours, a 2.4% reduction from the earlier hour.

The environmental event has since been growing and has spread worldwide to multiple nations. Millions of individuals take part in the event to do their part for the planet, which has led it to become the 

Earth Hour takes place annually on the last Saturday of March unless Holy Saturday or any other cultural events fall on that day. Then the event takes place at an earlier week to support the issue of climate change that affects the whole world. 

How to Celebrate Earth Hour

Earth Hour event welcomes everyone worldwide to do even the most minor eco-friendly acts to help Mother Earth. The best way to celebrate the day is to participate in it.

1. On Earth Hour, switch your non-essential lights and devices off from 8 pm to 9 pm. Instead, light some candles and enjoy the night on your balcony. You can also set up a romantic candlelight dinner with your loved one. It will help the earth and give you some relaxation time.

2. Did you know WWF created an app that lets you live in a more eco-friendly way? The app is called “Footprint,” which helps the environment by assigning different everyday challenges. These challenges are usually small, like not throwing plastic outside or not using a plastic straw. But the main aim is that these small acts will conjointly become a larger benefit for the earth.

3. Spreading awareness is a great way to get information around the world. Your knowledge of the cause can inspire others to be more eco-friendly. On Earth Hour, tell your family and friends about the event and ask them to join in.

Countries that Observe Earth Hour

Earth Hour is a global observance. In 2022, 192 countries participated in the movement to show support for the planet.

Interesting Facts about Earth Day

Earth Hour is a movement of change for the better. There are many interesting facts about the day. Here are a couple of facts to give more information on Earth Hour.

• Earth Hour is one of the most significant environmental movements in the world, organized by WWF.
• Earth Hour has been in action since 2007, marking its 15th anniversary in 2022.
• Around 18,000 landmarks worldwide and millions of people participated in the 2018 Earth Hour, making it a record.
• In Shanghai, "solar trees" can charge your mobile devices using solar energy.
• The girl scouts of the U.S.A. installed hundreds of thousands of LED bulbs for Earth Hour.
• Due to Earth Hour, more than 25,000 Russians raised their voice for their country’s forests and seas.
• In 2014, Spider-Man became the global ambassador of Earth Hour, inspiring thousands of children to care for the planet.
• A Senate Bill for a 3.4 million hectares Marine Protected Area in Argentina was passed in 2013 following the Earth Hour campaign.

Earth Hour Quotes

Earth Hour needs to be recognized so that our planet can thrive and everyone can work for the betterment of the earth. Today, forward some quotes to your friends and family to make them aware of the things that make our earth suffer.

"If we do not permit the earth to produce beauty and joy, it will in the end not produce food, either.” — Joseph Wood Krutch

"The earth is what we all have in common." — Thomas Alva Edison

"What is the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?" — Groucho Marx

FAQ

1. Why does the Earth Hour logo have “60+” written?

Earth Hour logo has "60+" on it because it represents the 60 minutes of voluntary lights off and the "+" means to add a positive initiative for the earth.

2. Who can participate in Earth Hour?

Earth Hour is open to everyone. Everyone worldwide can participate from the comfort of their own office, home, or shop.

3. How can we participate in Earth Hour?

On the last Saturday of March, people turn off the non-essential lights every year. If you want to participate, turn off the non-essential lights and electronics on this day from 8 pm to 9 pm.