EARTH HOUR, 27 MARCH 2021 (20:30 TO 21:30)

Theme: Climate Change to Save Earth

Earth Hour promotes the notion of sustainability through conservation of natural resources such as oceans, land and wildlife. This will benefit the environment which in return will enable us to thrive. Earth Hour is a campaign used to raise awareness on climate change and provides educational insight on alternative renewable energy sources. Earth Hour is more than switching off lights, it is a course for the greater good of the plant.

Earth Hour is a global campaign with many participants ranging from government, business and individuals. The Earth hour campaign is adaptable to fit the needs of the organisation or individuals for example local governments and businesses turn off the lights in huge office spaces, public buildings while individuals turn off home based lights and other appliances. In South Africa, Earth Hour has many participants such as corporates, municipalities, retailers, restaurants, schools and universities take part in this global event.

The Earth Hour campaign has had its successes in South Africa over the years. Since the introduction (2009) of Earth Hour in South Africa, landmarks such as Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and the Nelson Mandela Bridge and FNB Stadium in Johannesburg have taken part in switch- off events. Other achievements of Earth Hour in South Africa include the following.

• In 2017 WWF South Africa launched a successful public petition urging Eskom to make the shift to renewable energy. Over 13 000 South Africans signed the petition, showing their commitment to building a cleaner, greener future together.
• In 2014 Cape Town beat 163 cities in 14 countries in the annual Earth Hour City Challenge to become the Earth Hour Global Capital of the Year.
• In 2013, WWF launched an award-winning ‘Things to do in the dark’ campaign which included a Facebook App which offered a variety of ideas and inspiration for everyone to celebrate Earth Hour.

Every year, we countdown together across the globe to celebrate Earth Hour and take one iconic action: switch off the lights.

But it is so much more than that. It is a symbol of unity. It is a symbol of hope. It is a symbol of power in collective action for nature.