Earth Hour 2025: Uniting the World for the Planet

Earth Hour 2025 is set to take place at 8:30 PM on Saturday, 22 March. This annual global initiative encourages individuals, communities, and businesses to switch off their lights for an hour to raise awareness about pressing environmental concerns.

A Global Movement for Change

Earth Hour was first introduced by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 2007 to emphasize the urgent need to tackle climate change and protect nature. The inaugural event took place on 31 March 2007, when over 2.2 million people and 2,000 businesses in Sydney, Australia, turned off their lights for an hour. Since then, the movement has grown significantly, now encompassing over 190 countries, making it one of the world's largest grassroots environmental campaigns.

Iconic Landmarks Go Dark

As part of this global initiative, some of the most famous landmarks will go dark for an hour, symbolizing solidarity in environmental protection. This year, major UK landmarks such as The London Eye, Buckingham Palace, the Palace of Westminster, the Liver Building in Liverpool, and Stirling Castle will join the blackout. Worldwide, places like the Sydney Opera House and other historic sites will also participate.

Why Is Earth Hour Important?

Earth Hour is about more than just switching off lights—it represents a broader commitment to sustainability and environmental action. The event aims to rekindle a connection between people and nature, inspiring individuals to make conscious choices that benefit the planet. Over the years, Earth Hour has led to initiatives such as WWF Uganda’s ‘Earth Hour Forest,’ which began in 2013 intending to restore 2,700 hectares of degraded land.

How Can You Participate?

Taking part in Earth Hour is simple—just switch off your lights from 8:30 to 9:30 PM local time. However, there are many other ways to engage with the movement:

• Spend an hour outside appreciating nature.
• Reduce digital consumption by turning off devices like phones and gaming consoles.
• Organize a local community event to discuss sustainability.
• Join online discussions and virtual Earth Hour events.

Interesting Earth Hour Facts

1. One of the Largest Environmental Movements – Earth Hour unites millions of people, businesses, and landmarks worldwide in support of nature and climate action.
2. More Than a Decade of Impact – What started in Sydney in 2007 has spread globally, influencing environmental policies and community-led sustainability projects.
3. Beyond the Blackout – Earth Hour fosters a sense of unity and environmental responsibility rather than just focusing on turning off lights.
4. Space and Superheroes Join In – Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti supported Earth Hour from space in 2015, and in 2014, Spider-Man became the movement’s first superhero ambassador.
5. Digital Earth Hour – In 2020, Earth Hour adapted to global challenges by hosting online events and live streams.
6. Green Innovations – Shanghai introduced ‘solar trees’ that let people charge their phones using renewable energy during Earth Hour.\

Earth Hour continues to evolve, proving that even small actions can have a powerful impact on global sustainability. By participating, individuals and communities reaffirm their commitment to the environment and inspire change beyond just 60 minutes.

This 22 March, take a stand for the planet—switch off your lights and be a part of the movement that brings hope and action for a better future.