This weekend millions of people globally will shut their lights off for sixty minutes in hopes of a better future. Organized by the World Wildlife Foundation, Earth Hour has grown into a massive movement that spans over 190 countries, uniting people and spreading awareness of the current biodiversity, environmental and climate issues.
In Finland alone, approximately 1,4 million people, 200 companies, organisations, and cities took part in 2021. Globally these figures are much higher and even renowned landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building or London Eye will dim their lights in solidarity with Earth Hour.
In order to take part, all you need to do is shut your lights off for an hour starting at 8.30 pm locally.
What effect does Earth Hour have?
Hitting that off switch at your cosy apartment or house might seem like a small gesture at the start. However, when an action is repeated by tens of millions of others around the world, the gesture becomes quite grand.
Electricity reduction is not the main message of Earth Hour, but an hour with candle lights, perhaps among family and friends definitely can deliver a new point of view. Earth Hour is about unity and showing initiative. Taking a stand for the well-being of our planet and spreading the word about why the time to act is now.
What can happen if…?
In theory, Earth Hour could save a vast amount of electricity should everything shut off for just one hour.
“Turning off all of the world’s approximately 350 million streetlights could save 10 million solar panels, 700 wind farms or two large nuclear power plants worth of electricity,” says Tomi Nyman, Chief Commercial Officer at Woodly.
Streetlights aside, what about our own lamps at home?
“Turning off about 10 billion light bulbs (10W each) can save 62 large nuclear power plants – but not all light bulbs are located the same side of the globe and on at the same time – and Earth Hour is not everywhere at the same time, but 8.30 in the evening local time,” he continues.
Nyman also points out that 0,007% of the global energy consumption is from lamps.
Making a promise
This year the main theme is “Shaping our future” and this can be done by making a promise to our planet.
Whether it be taking part in the actual Earth Hour, switching to sustainable energy or a healthier diet, increasing public transport use, recycling more or even just becoming informed about climate issues. Every step, big or small, counts and there is no better time to start shaping our future than right now.