Earth Hour - History, Themes, FAQs

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Aug 11, 2022, 14:23

During Earth Hour, people are encouraged to switch to natural living. People are also encouraged to live in a renewable-based economy. These simple switches can make the life of the people much more organized and, at the same time, help our planet Earth.

In some countries, they follow three switches, including

  • Switching to solar power
  • Switching your mode of transportation
  • Switching off the lights to restore the powerhouse.

Earth Hour 2022 theme focussed on 'Shape Our Future. International leaders, celebrities, individuals, youth, and companies from 192 countries and territories united to stand in unity for the planet Earth. Read further to understand WWF, Earth hour 2022 theme, conclusions, and more.

What is Earth hour about?

Every year the last Saturday off March is seen to be Earth hour. The WWF started it with a symbolic lights-out event in Sydney. It was the world's most significant grassroots movement for the environment.

  • This movement engages various people to switch off their lights to support the planet.
  • Earth hour goes beyond the symbolic action of just switching off lights.
  • It drives significant legislative changes by harnessing the collective action and power of the people.
  • It is an open movement that welcomes anyone and everyone to take part and amplifies the purpose of uniting people to preserve the planet.
  • During earth hour 2021, many people from all over 192 countries come together to show that they are concerned about the future of Earth.
  • Millions of these people made the Earth the spotlight by talking about it on their news feeds and media timelines.
  • Various celebrities also joined the league of taking care of the planet Earth.
  • Some of these celebrities also spoke up for safeguarding nature and thinking about the betterment of the planet.
  • These celebrities include Pope Francis, Diya Mirza, DJ Armin, Sofia Vergara, Park Seo Joon, Van Buren, and many more.

History of Earth Hour - 2008 to 2022

In 2004, WWF (World Wildlife Fund) Australia met with advertising agency Leo Burnett Sydney to "discuss visions on the issue of climate change" with scientific results. The 2007 Earth Hour was held on March 31 in Sydney, Australia, at 7:30 pm local time.

San Francisco executed its own "Lights Out" program motivated by the Sydney Earth Hour in October 2007.

Year

Date and Local time of Earth Hour

2008

March 29, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm.

2009

March 28, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm.

2010

March 27, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm.

2011

March 26, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm.

2012

March 31, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm.

2013

Saturday, March 23, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm.

2014

Saturday, March 29, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm.

2015

Saturday, March 28, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm.

2016

Saturday, March 19, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm.

2017

Saturday, March 25, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm.

2018

Saturday, March 25, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm.

2019

March 30, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm.

2020

Saturday, 28 March, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm.

2021

Saturday, 27 March, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm.

2022

Saturday, 26 March, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 pm.

Earth Hour during COVID

Earth hour drew together people from different parts of the world. Even during the pandemic situation, this was no exception. Despite the physical distance, people united digitally to speak about nature and urged others to take care of it.

  • Most earth hour celebrations got organized in a virtual model.
  • During the recent earth hour, world leaders spoke to millions of people to take urgent actions to help tackle Earth's most significant environmental challenges.
  • The virtual spotlight video had about 2.4 million views in just 24 hours.

What is Earth Hour 2022?

This year in April, the world leaders will attend a conference at the United Nations on biodiversity and nature. The schedule for 2020 got postponed because of the pandemic scenario.

  • It was the 15th conference on biological diversity.
  • This conference will present an unmissable opportunity to shape the next decades on this planet.
  • It can only happen if the leaders at the United nation conference can establish a binding and ambitious global commitment.
  • Unless the world leaders come forward and put effort into protecting our planet, the planet's rising temperature will cause irreversible damage.
  • Due to this, the earth hour day movement is relevant in every country. We are moving towards an authoritarian state.
  • The crucial opportunity that Earth Hour provides to the people would help build global momentum. Hence, understanding the importance of earth hour is extremely necessary for each of us.

Results of Earth Hour - Drop in Electricity Consumption

Earth Hour is a representative action to encourage global individuals, businesses, and governments to take responsibility for their ecological impression and engage in resource exchange. Participation in Earth Hour signifies a pledge to change beyond the hour.

  • A study broadcasted in Energy Research and Social Science in 2014 observed changes in electricity demand caused by Earth Hour in 10 countries for six years.
  • The events discovered the decrease in electricity consumption by an average of 4%.
  • The Earth Hour study showed us that our consistent longer-term actions could result in short-term energy savings.

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Earth Hour 2022 Theme

'Shape Our Future' was The Earth Hour 2022 theme. Every year, Earth Hour is observed worldwide on the last Saturday of March to support the struggle against climate transformation and responsibility toward a better planet. Earth Hour in 2022 is being commemorated on March 26, 2022.

Look at the Earth hour day themes for the previous years from 2008 to 2021 in the table mentioned below.

Year

Earth Hour Themes

2021

Climate Change to Save Earth

2020

Climate Action and Sustainable Development

2019

Reduce, Reuse, Change the Way We Live

2018

Biodiversity

2017

Our Choice for the Planet

2016

Shine a Light on Climate Action

2015

Reverse Change in Climate

2014

Use Your Power to Change the Reality

2013 and 2012

I Will if You Will

2011

Go Beyond the Hour

2010

The power of action for a sustainable future

2009

Vote Earth

2008

We've Turned the Lights Out. Now It's Your Turn

Earth Hour Celebration Ideas

Earth Hour day can be celebrated in numerous ways. Given below are some ideas you can consider before celebrating the day to save your planet Earth.

  • You can organize recycling activities with children and adults for a better future.
  • Don't forget to turn off lights whenever they are not in use. Not only on Earth hour day, make this a practice at your home.
  • Avoid using lights and instead for natural light with the help of burning candles.
  • You can indulge in Earth hour celebrations online by visiting the earthhour.org website.
  • Limit artificial lights and enjoy the darkness with your friends and family by playing games like exciting storytelling, hide and seek, etc.
  • If you use social media quite often, use hashtags #earthhourday, #saveearth, etc., to increase awareness among individuals.

FAQs about Earth Hour

When is earth hour celebrated?

Earth Hour is observed every year in March on the last Saturday. The exact date varies for each year but lies between March 23 and 30.

Why is earth hour so important?

We must join the earth hour movement to help our planet overcome irreversible damages.

What to do during Earth Hour?

You can change one of your habits during Earth Hour to help mother nature. For instance, you can switch off lights if you do not need to use them.

Where was the First-Ever Earth Hour Observed in 2007?

The first every Earth hour was observed in Sydney, Australia. Earth hour is organized by WWF, a global grassroots movement uniting people to take action on environmental issues and protect the planet.

Which Group Organizes Earth Hour Every Year?

WWF or World Wildlife Fund (WWF) organizes Earth hour every year. The event is held annually, urging individuals, societies, and corporations to turn off unnecessary electric lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the last Saturday of March.

What is the Theme Of Earth Hour 2021?

Climate Change to Save Earth was the theme of Earth hour in 2021. The statement was to prevent climate change to save Earth.