The lights went out at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the Cologne Cathedral and numerous other sights around the world: During “Earth Hour” – the hour for the earth – they were no longer illuminated for 60 minutes. Among other things, the world-famous Sydney Opera House in Australia, the skyscrapers around Marina Bay in Singapore and the Niagara Falls in the USA as well as the top of New York’s famous Empire State Building were shrouded in darkness. With this campaign, the environmental protection organization WWF sets an example for more climate protection every year.
This year, the organization in Germany was also concerned with the political climate. “The current zeitgeist is tense. Crises, conflicts and wars keep people very busy,” explained Viviane Raddatz, climate chief at WWF Germany, before the campaign.
“This year we want to use Earth Hour as a moment for each other, for our earth and show together: We stand for more climate protection, for mutual respect, for democracy.” It is also about opposing a shift to the right and the denial that comes with it of climate disasters.
Lights out in several hundred cities in Germany
The lights were turned off in numerous cities around the world, not only at sights but also in numerous other buildings. According to WWF, several hundred cities in Germany wanted to take part in the campaign.
In addition to going without light for an hour, according to the WWF, everyone could also support the climate before the campaign: Since March 1st, the foundation has been counting up every single hour that people have been working for the climate or democracy in an “Hour Bank”. Various activities are available to choose from, including neighborhood cleaning, environmentally friendly cooking or laundry.
“It is crucial to get involved if we want to raise awareness of the environmental challenges and reverse the curve of biodiversity loss by 2030,” said WWF Director General Kirsten Schuijt in advance, urging people around the world to turn out in large numbers to contribute. Earth Hour is now much more than just turning off the lights, wrote WWF Australia.
The WWF launched the global climate and environmental protection campaign in Australia in 2007 – as a sign that humanity must take better care of the earth. This year Earth Hour took place for the 18th time. According to the WWF, the hour for the earth is now being celebrated on all continents.