Tonight for 60 minutes residents around the world are encouraged to turn off their lights and power down electronics as part of 2017 Earth Hour.
“We’re taking that step to think about what we can do to help the Earth, to help fight climate change. This one small hour unites us around the world,” says Recycling and Environmental Action Planning Society (REAPS) chair, Terri McClymont.
Earth Hour is scheduled 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., local time, around the globe because it is the closest hour to sunset in both hemispheres, allowing for the biggest visual impact of lights out everywhere.
“While the one hour without lights is intended to be a symbolic act encouraging people to consider conservation throughout the year, the collective impact of this global action is significant. I encourage everyone to participate,” says BC Minister of Environment, Mary Polak.
Earth Hour which started in Sydney, Australia in 2007 by the World Wildlife Fund took place in more than 7,000 cities last year.
International landmarks that participated in lights out in 2016 include:
- Â The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France
- Â St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Italy
- Â The Empire State Building in New York City, U.S.A.
- The Houses of Parliament in London, U.K.
- Â The Opera House in Sydney, Australia
- Â Niagara Falls, Canada / U.S.A.