The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) organizes Earth Hour, which is observed globally every year on the last or penultimate Saturday of March. It encourages individuals, communities, and businesses to switch off non-essential electric lights for one hour, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, as a symbol of commitment to the planet.
- It aims to raise awareness about environmental issues, particularly climate change, and inspire collective action for a sustainable future.
Note: In years when Holy Saturday (Easter Eve) falls on the last Saturday of March, Earth Hour is observed a week earlier.
Key Dates:
Earth Hour 2025 was observed on 22nd March 2025 and marks observance of 19th year of Earth Hour.
- Earth Hour 2024 was observed on 23rd March 2024.
- Earth Hour 2026 will be observed on the 28th of March 2026.
Background:
i.Earth Hour was first launched by the WWF (formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund) and its partners in Australia in 2007 as a “lights off” initiative.
ii.The inaugural Earth Hour event took place on 31 March 2007 in Sydney, Australia, with over 2.2 million people and 2,000 businesses turning off their lights for one hour.
iii.It is the largest global grassroots movement for the planet, where people from 190 countries and territories unite to turn off all non-essential lights for one hour, showcasing the power of collective action.
Note: In India, Earth Hour has been observed since 28th March 2009.
When Earth Hour Observed?
i.Earth Hour is strategically scheduled during the last or second-to-last weekend of March to coincide with the Spring and Autumn equinoxes.
ii.This timing ensures near-coincidental sunset times in both the northern and southern hemispheres, creating a unified global “lights out” event.
Logo of Earth Hour:
The standard Earth Hour ’60’ logo represents the 60 minutes (an hour long) of Earth Hour, where we focus on our impact on our planet and take positive steps to address environmental issues.
- Pocoyo, a children’s animated character has been Global Kids’ Ambassadors for Earth Hour since 2010.
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF):
President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Carter Roberts
Headquarters – Gland, Switzerland
Founded – 1961
