Earth Hour is a global event organised by WWF (World Wildlife Fund) asking households and businesses around the world to switch off their non-essential lights for one designated hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change.

When does Earth Hour take place?

Earth Hour 2011 will be held on Saturday March 26 between 8.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. local time.

Earth Hour 2011 will see the world’s most iconic landmarks go dark for one designated hour as millions of people across race, religion, culture, society, generation and geography switch off their lights in a global celebration of their commitment to protect the one thing that unites us all – our planet earth.

What does Earth Hour ask people to do?

Earth Hour encourages individuals and businesses to use Earth Hour as a platform to show to the world what measures they are taking to reduce the impact on the environment.

By switching off non-essential lights for Earth Hour you are acknowledging your commitment to an act of ongoing change that benefits the planet.

When did Earth Hour started?

Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia in 2007 when more than two million individuals and two thousand businesses turned off their lights for one hour on Saturday 31 March 2007 to take a stand on climate change.

In the space of three years Earth Hour grew to become the greatest environmental action in history with individuals, businesses and governments across 128 countries coming together for Earth Hour 2010. More than 1000 of the world’s man-made marvels and natural wonders, including the Pyramids in Egypt, Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building, Niagara Falls, Beijing’s Forbidden City, Cape Town’s Table Mountain, Sydney Opera House, Buckingham Palace and Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, stood in darkness symbolising a landmark moment in the planet’s environmental consciousness.

Why is Earth Hour held on the last Saturday of March?

The last weekend of March is around the time of the spring and autumn equinoxes in the northern and southern hemispheres respectively, which allows for near coincidental sunset times in both hemispheres, thereby ensuring the greatest visual impact for a global “lights out” event.

Isn’t switching the lights off dangerous?

Earth Hour only asks people to turn off the non-essential lights for one hour – not lights that affect public safety. Lights that should NOT be turned off include safety lights in public spaces, lights for aviation guidance, traffic lights, security lights, etc. People are asked to use common sense.

Earth Hour is also a celebration of the planet and as such it is important to enjoy the moment in a safe environment.

What about personal safety?

In your own home, use common sense with respect to safety. Security lights should not be switched off. Keep small night lights on for basic safety especially in halls and on stairs. Make sure you have alternative light sources handy before Earth Hour starts, such as candles and torches. That way you can still respect the spirit of Earth Hour and keep yourself and your family safe.

What does Earth Hour hope to achieve?

Earth Hour aims to showcase the possibilities of a united global effort by creating an inspiring visual display of worldwide participation to address global warming and to demonstrate the growing desire around the world to make behavioural changes a reality.

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day if you want to know more about Earth Hour 2011.