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- Last Saturday of March
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Earth Hour unites millions globally every last Saturday of March, urging individuals, communities, and businesses to switch off non-essential lights for one hour. This symbolic act, initiated by the World Wide Fund for Nature, demonstrates a collective commitment to protecting our planet. Join the movement, dim your lights, and spark conversations about climate action.
Want to sponsor Earth Hour? Learn how
Expected Earth Hour Deals
As a global environmental movement, Earth Hour focuses on awareness and action rather than commercial deals. Nonprofits like the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the original organizers, encourage donations and participation in local events. Many environmental advocacy groups, such as the Sierra Club and Greenpeace, promote educational campaigns and volunteer opportunities around this time. Businesses like Patagonia and REI often highlight their sustainable practices and offer eco-friendly products, sometimes with special promotions that benefit environmental causes. Local organizations may host community gatherings, candlelight vigils, or educational workshops. We will update this page with confirmed live events and awareness initiatives as March approaches.
Platform Guide for Earth Hour
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #EarthHour. Share photos of your community’s lights-out event or personal reflections on sustainability.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #EarthHour. Tweet about your commitment to climate action, share facts about energy conservation, or highlight local initiatives.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #EarthHour. Post visuals of dimmed skylines, candlelight gatherings, or creative ways you’re reducing your carbon footprint.
Earth Hour Hero
Andy Ridley
History of Earth Hour
Earth Hour was created to actively involve each of us in the fight against climate change, and started as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia, in 2007. Earth Hour is now a worldwide event, encouraging everyone to turn off non-essential electric lights for an hour between 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the last Saturday of March.
In 2004, World Wide Fund for Nature (W.W.F.) Australia, met with advertising agency Leo Burnett Sydney to discuss ideas for engaging Australians on the issue of climate change. However, the idea for a large-scale off switch wasn’t coined until 2006, under the title ‘The Big Flick.’ In 2007, with the backing of Fairfax Media along with Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover Moore, Earth Hour was held on March 31 in Sydney, Australia at 7:30 p.m., local time.
In 2008, Earth Hour 2008 was held internationally on March 29 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. local time, and had 35 countries around the world participating, and over 400 cities in support. Landmarks around the world turned off their non-essential lighting for Earth Hour, and even Google’s homepage went dark on the day. Participating countries and cities experienced a vast reduction in megawatt-hours and carbon dioxide reduction.
Occasionally, in years when Holy Saturday falls on the last Saturday of March, or other cultural activities are observed, Earth Hour is moved a week earlier than its usual date. Ever since 2008, multiple nations and people have participated, growing this event into one of the world’s largest grassroots movements for the environment.
Millions of people around the world switch off their lights to show they care about the future of our planet, and joining Earth Hour’s switch off reminds us that even small actions can make a big difference.
Earth Hour timeline
World Wide Fund for Nature Australia, meets with advertising agency Leo Burnett Sydney to discuss ideas for engaging Australians on the issue of climate change.
The idea for a large-scale switch-off is coined and developed.
The first Earth Hour takes place on March 31 in Sydney, Australia at 7:30 pm, local time.
Earth Hour is held internationally on March 29, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. local time.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Earth Hour
Local businesses can demonstrate their commitment to the planet by participating in Earth Hour. Restaurants might offer special candlelight dining experiences, while retailers could dim non-essential lighting and educate customers on sustainable product choices. Service businesses can use the hour to review their energy consumption and identify areas for greater efficiency, sharing their efforts on social media to inspire others. Consider partnering with local environmental groups for co-promoted events or donation drives.
Earth Hour FAQs
When is Earth Hour?
In 2027, Earth Hour will be observed on Saturday, March 27, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time, continuing its tradition of uniting communities for environmental awareness.
Who organizes Earth Hour?
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) remains the driving force behind Earth Hour, working with partners worldwide to expand its reach and impact each year. Their ongoing efforts highlight the urgency of environmental protection.
How many countries participate in Earth Hour?
The global reach of Earth Hour is immense, consistently engaging over 190 nations and territories in a powerful display of unity for climate action. This widespread participation underscores its significance as a worldwide movement.
What is the primary goal of Earth Hour?
Beyond the symbolic act of switching off lights, Earth Hour aims to inspire tangible commitments and policy changes toward a sustainable future. It encourages ongoing dialogue and action on critical environmental issues throughout the year.
How to Observe Earth Hour
Switch off
The best way to participate in Earth Hour is by switching off. Switch off all non-essential electric appliances, devices, and switches for an hour, typically between 8:30 to 9:30 pm Standard Time. Join in the fight to make our environment better.
Get the Footprint app
W.W.F. invented an app called Footprint that pushes us to make small but impactful decisions to save the environment. The app contains several challenges that suit you, to make small changes in your own life that add up to something bigger. Download the app and start a challenge today.
Spread awareness
Raise and spread awareness on our current environmental issues. Take to your socials to spread the word and educate others about Earth Hour. You can inspire a few more people to take the next step to cater to our environment and home — the Earth.
5 Fascinating Facts About The Environment
That’s too many trees
Around 27,000 trees are cut down each day just to produce toilet paper.
Cows harm the environment
A single cow can release between 200 and 400 pounds of methane gas through burps and farts each year, which is 20 times more powerful than carbon dioxide gas.
There is a lot of oil in our oceans
About five million tons of oil produced in the world end up in oceans every year.
We don’t have many forests left
Less than 4% of American forests remain today.
We have little usable water
Only 1% of the world's water supply is usable, 97% are the oceans and 2% are frozen.
Why Earth Hour is Important
The Earth is our home
The Earth is the only place we can all call home, and without it, we cannot exist. Therefore, Earth Hour is important in encouraging us to protect our home.
The environment is dying
Natural disasters, pandemics, and global warming are key signs that show our environment needs our help. With the steady increase in global warming rates, we need to straighten up and do all we can to improve our environment’s health.
It’s a collective effort
Earth Hour involves every human being and doesn’t leave the responsibilities to a few. This lets us know it takes a collective effort to make a big change, and we can all do our parts to make it better.
Social Media Tips for Earth Hour
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