Earth Hour 2024: Turn Off the Lights for One Hour

Earth Hour

For Earth Hour, the custom is to turn off the lights for an hour. But why do we do that? Other than to save energy.

25 March 2023 Teodora Ghenciu

[b]For some time now, we have been invited, every year, on the last Saturday of March, to turn off the lights for one hour, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, on Earth Hour occasion.[/b]
[b]Or Earth Hour.[/b]

Let's eat by candlelight, read a book, dance in the dark, why not? Let's do shadow play or whatever else we want to do, but... in semi-darkness.

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Who is inviting us to do this? The World Wildlife Fund, a large environmental NGO, which started this action of turning off the lights in 2007. That's when they did it for the first time in Sydney. It was a symbolic action, through which they wanted to draw the attention of the Australian government, which at that time was skeptical about climate change, that people cared about this issue and expected concrete actions from the state. And, guess what? They really cared, over two million people turned off their lights then. Practically almost half of the city's population.

Well... this action escalated very quickly. Year after year, people from all countries, all over the globe, joined this movement by the tens of millions. Including us, Romanians, we started to take to the streets, all kinds of events are organized, you've probably seen it on the news. Or you will see it.

And, although many people think it is an alarm signal about the electricity we consume - as I also believed at some point - and that it is a kind of reminder to turn off the lights from time to time, well... it's more than that. And it's not just about us, ordinary consumers. In fact, I would even say it's almost not about that at all.

[h2][b]The power of community[/b][/h2]

Because this event of turning off the lights has been repeated year after year and millions, tens of millions of people have started to participate, it has become more than a symbolic movement. It has become a trigger for real changes. Measurable. Thanks to people. Who, lo and behold, have the power to do things if they mobilize and unite.

What changes am I referring to? Well... because this event has become very visible, more and more actions and petitions for a more sustainable world have started to be launched around it. And some of these actions have actually been successful.

For example, in 2012, on the occasion of Earth Hour, a petition was launched in Russia, which was eventually signed by over 100,000 people and led to the creation of a law to protect waters from oil pollution. So, changing legislation, one of the changes.

Then, the inclusion of some forest or water areas in the category of protected areas, the construction of natural parks or... still on the subject of laws, laws prohibiting plastic bags appeared.

So, it's more than just about turning off the lights. And reducing energy consumption. Although even that in itself can be a noble goal. I've seen estimates in past years that showed that the energy saved in this hour would be enough to power a locality with two thousand inhabitants for an entire year. So, that's not insignificant either.

But, ultimately, the event is about the power of the community. To change things.

That's why we shouldn't think, who am I, what power do I have, what can I do, what difference does it make if I turn off the lights at 8:30 tonight. It matters! If you unite with others who think like you and do the same as you.

It's about sending an alarm signal to political leaders, governments, both here and worldwide, that the issue of climate change, biodiversity loss, nature loss, species extinction, the degradation of life on this planet, of the soil, pollution in general, concerns all of us and we want to see firm, clear laws and actions in this direction.

Not for nature, not for the planet, but first and foremost for ourselves. For our health, for our prosperity, happiness, and sometimes even for our survival.

All this, of course, in the context of global warming. Because if firm measures are not taken so that in the coming years, until 2030, the average global temperature does not go up by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius, then the effects will be disastrous. And difficult to control.

This is what Earth Hour is about.

So, if you consider this cause important and want to take part in this global mega-movement, turn off the lights from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Do whatever you want during this time, be creative, but... in the dark!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Earth Hour and when does it take place?

Earth Hour, also known as the Hour of the Earth, is an annual event where people are invited to turn off their lights for one hour, usually on the last Saturday of March, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. It is a symbol of commitment to the environment and a call to action against climate change.

What is the purpose of Earth Hour?

The purpose of Earth Hour is to raise awareness about environmental issues, particularly climate change, and to mobilize communities to take action for a more sustainable future. It is more than just turning off the lights; it represents a signal for political leaders to take concrete measures in protecting the environment.

How can someone participate in Earth Hour?

To participate in Earth Hour, all you need to do is turn off your lights for one hour, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, and use your creativity to have fun in the dark. You can have a candlelit dinner, read a book, or organize group activities.

What impact has Earth Hour had on legislation and environmental actions?

Earth Hour has inspired numerous actions and petitions that have led to significant legislative changes, such as the banning of plastic bags and the creation of protected areas. By mobilizing communities, the event has demonstrated that people can influence government decisions in favor of environmental protection.

Why is it important for people to participate in Earth Hour?

Participation in Earth Hour is important to show political leaders that climate change and environmental protection are priorities for citizens. Even a simple gesture, like turning off the lights, can have a significant impact when done by millions of people globally.