Unit 6 Section 4 Focusing on culture

Earth Hour

What is Earth Hour?

On the last Saturday night of March every year, people around the world turn their lights off for one hour. They do this because they care about climate change. They are trying to show that small changes can make a great difference to our planet.                

How did it start?

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) started Earth Hour in 2007, in Sydney, Australia. More than 2.2 million homes and businesses joined in. Even the lights at the Sydney Opera Houses were out for an hour. This saved a lot of electricity. The same amount of electricity could power thousands of computers or television sets for an hour. When the lights were out, the stars were clearer in the sky.             

People in China liked this idea too. They started to take part in the event in 2008. Every year, many landmark buildings in Chinese cities turn off their lights for Earth Hour.

What can you do?

You can take part in Earth Hour next March. Find out the date and time of the event on the Earth Hour website. When the time comes, turn off your lights and enjoy your special hour in the dark. It will be even more fun if you ask your friends, family and classmates to join as well.