Every year in March, millions of people across the world take part in Earth Hour, a global movement that reminds us how small actions can protect our planet. The event encourages people, homes, schools, businesses, and famous landmarks to switch off non-essential lights for one hour to raise awareness about climate change and energy conservation. Earth Hour
usually takes place on the last Saturday of March from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm (local time). The event is organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and has grown into one of the biggest environmental movements on Earth. Read all about it here.
What is Earth Hour?
Earth Hour is a global campaign where people turn off lights for one hour to show support for the planet and encourage action against climate change. The idea is simple: when millions of lights go off at the same time, it sends a powerful message that people care about protecting the Earth and reducing energy use.
How Earth Hour began:
Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, when more than two million people and over 2,000 businesses switched off their lights for one hour. The campaign quickly spread around the world. Today, over 190 countries and territories take part, making Earth Hour one of the largest environmental movements ever organised.
How can people take part:
People can join Earth Hour in many simple ways:
- Switch off non-essential lights for one hour
- Spend time with family without electricity
- Organise candlelight dinners or storytelling sessions
- Talk about climate change and protecting nature
Many famous landmarks also participate, including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Sydney Opera House, and India Gate in New Delhi, which switch off their lights during the hour.
Earth Hour 2026
In 2026, it will take place on Saturday, 28 March, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm local time. During this hour, cities across the world go dark as monuments, buildings, and homes switch off their lights together.
6 reasons why Earth Hour is important:
- Raises climate change awareness
Earth Hour reminds people around the world that climate change is a serious global issue that needs action from everyone. - Encourages energy conservation
Switching off lights for an hour highlights how saving electricity can reduce energy use and protect natural resources. - Unites people globally
Millions of people in more than 190 countries take part together, showing that protecting the planet is a shared responsibility. - Inspires eco-friendly habits
The campaign encourages simple daily actions such as saving electricity, reducing waste, and protecting nature. - Highlights the impact of collective action
When landmarks, cities, and homes switch off lights at the same time, it shows how small actions can create a powerful global message. - Supports wildlife and nature protection
Earth Hour is organised by WWF and helps draw attention to protecting forests, oceans, and endangered species.
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