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Earth Hour

Switch off and connect with nature this Earth Hour – Saturday 22 March at 8.30pm. 

 

 

© Sandra Hoever / Getty Images

Earth hour countdown

The Earth from space showing Australia and Indonesia
© Shutterstock / MarcelClemens / WWF

What is Earth Hour and why is it so important?

Every March, millions of people around the world come together for one hour to show they care about the future of our planet. From iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the Sydney Opera House to cities across the globe, the lights go out in a stunning display of solidarity for our natural world.  

Why – because our world needs our help. Nature gives us so much, from the food we eat to the air we breathe; it keeps us healthy and thriving. WWF’s Earth Hour is the perfect moment to switch off and give back to the planet. Because when we restore nature, it restores us. 

10 facts about Earth Hour
An adult barn owl in flight in the evening
© Background image: Andrew Parkinson / WWF-UK;

Connect with nature this Earth Hour

We’re inviting you to plan ways to connect with nature over the next month. With Spring just around the corner, why not get outside and enjoy the natural world with family and friends? Check out our Prescription for Nature page for fun tips and ideas to help you get started on your daily dose of nature journey.

Get your daily dose of nature

Earth Hour on the night activities

Earth Hour isn’t just about turning off the lights – it's also a great time to mentally “switch off” and take a moment to relax and connect with nature. Whether on your own or with loved ones, we’ve got plenty of activities to help you celebrate Earth Hour with us! 

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    Switch off your lights

    This is where Earth Hour all began. Switch off your lights to show your support for the natural world. Take an hour to go dark – use the time to unwind alone or with loved ones. Want to make it even more meaningful? Go the extra step and truly ‘switch off’ by stepping away from your screens and putting your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’.

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    Prepare a meal by candlelight  

    Embrace the charm of a simpler time by preparing a meal by candlelight. Gather your ingredients and whip up a delicious, no-cook dish while enjoying the cosy, flickering glow of candles. Not only does this save energy, but it also sets a relaxed, intimate vibe - perfect for bonding with loved ones. You could even prepare an easy, no-cook pudding to round off your meal. 

    Discover recipes
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    Take a moment to switch off

    Switching off this Earth Hour is also an opportunity to reconnect with yourself. Take the time to reflect through mindful journaling or meditation or revisit your New Year's resolutions. Create a peaceful, electricity-free environment and practice yoga, allowing your body to stretch, your breath to flow, and your mind to clear. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting out, this is the perfect moment to unwind, find tranquillity, and nurture both your well-being and the Earth.

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    A candlelit games night

    Turn off the screens and gather round for a fun-filled evening of board games by candlelight. Whether you're diving into a classic round of Monopoly or strategizing in Settlers of Catan, the soft glow of candles adds a magical touch, turning your game night into a memorable experience for everyone.   

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    Tales by twilight

    Gather your family or friends and share stories by candlelight. Whether it's spooky ghost tales, personal anecdotes, or stories from your favourite books, storytelling is a great way to connect and have fun without using electricity. And, of course, the best stories are those that celebrate nature and wildlife.   

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A dose of nature

Get the ultimate chill out experience during the hour by immersing yourself in our full daily dose of nature YouTube series.

You can start with the Borneo rainforest. 

Bornean Orangutan female 'Lady Di' with her son 'La Betty' aged 3 years (Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii). Camp Rasak, Lamandau Nature Reserve, Central Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia.

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What can happen to the Earth in an hour

1,631

The area of 1,631 football pitches of forest is lost in an hour.

4.6 million

Over 4.6 million tonnes of CO2 is emitted in an hour.

3.5 million

Food equivalent to almost 3.5 million meals is lost or wasted in the UK each hour.

30 million

The Greenland ice cap is losing an average of 30 million tonnes of ice an hour due to the climate crisis.

Sources

[1] FAO. Global Forest Resources Assessment 2020: Main report. Rome. https://doi.org/10.4060/ca9825en 

[2] Fossil CO2 emissions at record high in 2023 publication. 

[3] WWF's Hidden waste: The scale and impact of food waste in primary production report. 

[4] Ubiquitous acceleration in Greenland Ice Sheet calving from 1985 to 2022 article 

Useful Resources

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Show your support

If you would like to support WWF's Earth Hour and use our official WWF Earth Hour Supporter logo, please contact earthhour@wwf.org.uk

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