27 Mar Celebrating Earth Hour Amidst a Global Pandemic
Earth Hour is a movement observed across the globe by over 185 countries on the last Saturday of every March. It was founded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in 2007 to remind people that their support is needed to protect the fate of our planet.
Earth Hour goes beyond millions of people merely switching off their lights for one hour every year. It is a symbolic movement and a catalyst for positive environmental impact.
Earth Hour Around the Globe
Earth Hour has achieved plenty over the years.
WWF-Uganda created the world’s first Earth Hour Forest in 2013 to help fight severe deforestation. That same year, Argentina used its Earth Hour campaign to help pass a Senate bill to have a 3.4-million hectare Marine Protected Area within the country. Solar-powered lights were installed in three remote villages in India that were running without electricity. Education programs for schools were launched in Thailand and Taiwan. Thousands of LED lights were installed by Girl Scouts in the USA.
It does not stop there. In the last 13 years, the movement has achieved the unimaginable, thanks to the help of millions around the world.
Making 2020 Earth Hour More Meaningful
With millions around the world in self-isolation or under lockdown, Earth Hour is being celebrated less socially and more digitally.
Earth Hour officials recognize the challenges the world is currently facing and are grateful for the continued support amidst these trying times. Now more than ever, solidarity will be the light that shines in the darkest hour on the planet.
On March 28th, let’s make that one hour count.
- Switch off not just your lights but all electrical appliances
- Sign the ‘Voice for the Planet‘ petition urging leaders to make better decisions for the planet
- Join one of the many live-stream discussions tackling climate change and other environmental issues
- Make energy conservation a daily habit and not just a one-hour annual tradition
Don’t just turn off those lights for social media; turn them off as an ode to Mother Nature. The last few months have taught us that human beings can change the world if we unite and help each other reach a common goal.
We have one Earth. Let’s change it for the better.
Reem is the content executive at plasticfreeuae and the go-to source for everything sustainable in the UAE who strongly believes that mindsets can be changed through words.
