Earth hour countdown
Give an hour for Earth
What is Earth Hour?
What is Earth Hour?
Every year in March, millions of people across the globe unite to show that they care about the future of our planet, by switching off for one hour.
WWF’s Earth Hour is one of the world’s largest grassroots environmental movements. It brings the world together, shines a spotlight on the climate and nature crisis, and inspires people to act and advocate for urgent change.
Why is it so important?
Why is it so important?
Our world needs our help.
All over the world, animals and people are losing their homes because we're destroying forests, polluting rivers and oceans and making the climate crisis worse.
But there is hope. We know that small actions can make a big difference and together we can make change. By giving an hour for earth you’ll be helping to bring our world back to life. That means more space for nature and a more stable climate, so people and wildlife can thrive.
Ways to take part in Earth hour
Could an hour change the world? Earth Hour is your time to switch off and dedicate an hour to help bring our world back to life. You can do this any way you like, by spending 60 minutes doing something – anything – positive for our planet. Need inspiration? We’ve pulled together some ideas below:
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© ShutterstockMore Switch off
This is where Earth Hour all began. Taking an hour away from your screens and switching off your electricity. So put your phone on do not disturb and turn off your other electrical appliances and enjoy some down time to yourself, or with loved ones. You could play a board game by candlelight or stargaze in your garden or outside space.
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© David Tipling / naturepl.com / WWFMore Restore nature
Get outside and make your outdoor space more nature friendly. If you don’t have a garden or window box, there are community gardens and allotments that will benefit from your green fingers! Here are 5 tips on how to transform any space into a wildlife haven.
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© Shutterstock / Pop-Thailand / WWF UKMore Spend an hour in nature
We've partnered with the Mental Health Foundation to create a guide filled with tips and tools for how all of us can connect with nature, to help us thrive even in challenging times.
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© @Ola JennerstonMore Screen Saving our Wild Isles
Get your friends, family and neighbours inspired by nature by organising a screening of Saving Our Wild Isles. Watch Sir David Attenborough tell a story of hope in a time of crisis for UK nature in a WWF, RSBP and National Trust documentary.
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© Ella Kiviniemi / WWF-UKMore Calculate your footprint
Calculate your personal impact with WWF's Footprint Calculator and make a plan to reduce it – you can make a big difference by taking small steps.
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© WWFMore Find out what your workplace or business can do
Get the conversation started and discuss how your workplace can be part of the solution. Connect with colleagues who also have a passion for nature by screening our Save Our Wild Isles business films where you work.
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© Emmanuel Rondeau / WWF-UKMore Become a walrus detective
Spend an hour searching for walrus in satellite imagery, so we can gather data to understand more about how the climate crisis is affecting them.
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© Greg Armfield - WWF-UKMore Campaign for nature
Explore our WWF campaign hub and find out how you can influence politicians and make a difference in your local area.
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© Tristan Fewings / WWFMore Get creative
Explore our series of fun 'make-it' activities that have been designed to encourage wildlife into your local area and explore your love of nature.
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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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Toolkit for Individuals
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Toolkit for Businesses
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Tools for Schools
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