What is Earth Hour?

Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change.

A year later on March 29, 2008, Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, CN Tower in Toronto, Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour. Canada shone above the rest with almost half the adult population participating. About 10 million people in more than 150 cities from coast-to-coast switched off their lights. People in cities across Canada held candlelight dinners, enjoyed time with friends and family or went on walks.

On March 28, 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative. Canada was again among the leading countries in the campaign in terms of both cities participating (more than 280 nationally) and for participation per capita.

Earth Hour 2010 became the biggest Earth Hour ever reaching 1.3 billion people. On March 27, 2010, a record 128 countries and territories united across the globe making it the largest voluntary action ever witnessed. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet. Once again, over 10 million of Canadians took part in all provinces and territories, turning out the lights in over 300 cities and towns.

Earth Hour 2011 will take place on Saturday, March 26 at 8:30PM (local time). It will continue to be a call to action to every individual, every business and every community throughout the world. A call to stand up, to take responsibility, to get involved and lead the global journey to a sustainable future.

Want to do even more? Visit Earth Hour official website

*source: WWF Canada, http://bit.ly/gDzneu