Earth Hour: our actions today will define our future

This year we’re switching off for Earth Hour and pledging to support stronger action on the promise Australia made at the 2015 Paris Agreement to improve climate change.

What is Earth Hour?

Earth Hour is the largest global movement for the environment. Millions of people in over 190 countries are switching off their lights for an hour from 8.30 – 9:30pm on Saturday 30th March to show their support for strategies that will help solve global warming.

Originated in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has become a global movement for change. Successfully helping drive climate policy in Russia, Argentina, Ecuador and Wales.

The movement has grown into a symbolic show of solidarity, that we want change from our leaders.

© Jeremiah Armstrong / WWF-Canada

How can you get involved?

Get involved by joining us and switching off your lights for Earth Hour! But it doesn’t end there, you can join a community event or host your own.

Many schools are also getting involved and teachers can download a free lesson about environmental sustainability from the Earth Hour Website.

A wild koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) climbing in its natural habitat of gum trees. © Shutterstock / GunnerL / WWF

What does climate change mean for Australian species?

Global warming is directly affecting the quality of life for some native Australian species, Koalas and Black-flanked Rock-Wallabies are among two of the most affected.

Koalas

With higher average temperatures, global warming is changing the water and nitrogen content of eucalyptus leaves, the Koala’s only food, making them less nutritious. As a result, Koalas are not getting enough water and nutrients from their natural diet and have to leave the protection of their treetop homes, making them prone to predators and traffic.

Black-flanked Rock-Wallaby

The highly endangered black-flanked rock-wallaby’s habitat includes the desert and bush in many parts of north and Western Australia. More severe and longer droughts will result in food and habitat loss; leaving these beautiful animals with nowhere to go.

School kids with SolarBuddy lights. Katsuuso School, near Gulu, northern Uganda. © SolarBuddy.org / WWF-Aus

Earth Hour Solar Light Challenge

WWF-Australia’s Earth Hour is working with the charity SolarBuddy to provide solar lights to children living in remote communities in Papua New Guinea. These solar lights will enable the children living in these communities the opportunity to continue studying after the sun goes down.

You can help by purchasing a solar light kit from Earth Hour. The solar lights are delivered unassembled, the fun and challenge comes in putting them together and learning meaningful lessons about energy poverty and renewable energy at the same time.

This Earth Hour #CONNECT2EARTH