Earth Hour 2023: 'Lights off' at 8.30 pm today. Know the significance

Mar 25, 2023 02:18 PM IST

‘Earth Hour’ is an annual global event that takes place on the last Saturday of March, and this year, on March 25 at 8.30 pm local time, millions of supporters from more than 190 countries and territories are expected to participate. The event encourages individuals to turn off all lights and electrical appliances at their homes and offices for an hour to promote awareness of climate change challenges and energy conservation.

Governments and companies also participate in 'Earth Hour' by turning off non-essential lights. (PTI Photo)

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This symbolic act, known as the ‘lights off’ moment, unites people worldwide in a show of support for the planet and serves as a reminder of the environmental issues facing us. By coming together in this way, we can raise awareness of the urgent need for action to protect our planet's future.

The “Earth Hour” encourages people to switch off all lights for an hour, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm local time, and engage in various activities such as reconnecting with nature, cooking meals, spending quality time with family and loved ones, and getting creative with art.

Also Read | WWF, discoms urge Delhi to observe Earth Hour this Saturday

Governments and companies also participate by turning off non-essential lights in their buildings, monuments, and landmarks to raise awareness about the impact of energy consumption on our planet.

The concept of Earth Hour originated in 2007, when the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Sydney and its partners launched a symbolic lights-out event in Australia to raise awareness about climate change. The inaugural observance was held on March 31, 2007, at 7:30 pm local time in Sydney, where people were encouraged to turn off their lights for an hour.

The following year, the event gained international recognition and was celebrated on March 29, 2008, with millions of people from around the world participating. Since then, the popularity of Earth Hour has continued to grow, and it is now celebrated annually on the last Saturday of March.

The Earth Hour event has grown significantly since its inception and now boasts supporters from global nations, all coming together to take action for a better future for our planet and its inhabitants.

Now in its 17th year, Earth Hour has evolved from a simple lights-out event to a powerful catalyst for positive environmental change. The event has become a platform for driving major legislative changes through the collective power of people and their actions. According to the official website of the event, Earth Hour aims to inspire individuals, communities, and organizations worldwide to take meaningful action to protect the environment and create a sustainable future for all.

Even though turning off the lights for an hour has little effect on yearly emissions, the act on a large scale done in solidarity may serve as a wake-up call for people all over the world.

Hundreds of local celebrity influencers are expected to show their support, and several events to raise awareness about conservation efforts are planned for Saturday's Earth Hour

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Trainee Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital Stream. India's regional languages attract me.