Earth Hour, organized by WWF, is a global grassroots movement uniting people to take action on environmental issues and protect the planet. ... As the movement grows, the one-hour lights out event continues to be the symbol of a broader commitment toward nature and our planet.
For one hour later this month, lights will go out all around the world. At that time, the world will be celebrating the 12th annual global Earth Hour.
Who participates in Earth Hour?
Since the first global Earth Hour in 2008, more than 7,000 localities, including 400 major cities, across nearly 190 countries and territories have come to participate in the grassroots movement each year. Major landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House, and the Empire State Building, and even many websites—including Google—have joined in Earth Hour. There are also numerous organizations and agencies that now support and promote Earth Hour, including UNESCO, the UN Environment Program, and the International Trade Union Confederation, as well as corporations such as IKEA, HSBC, Hilton Worldwide, and FIFA.
What is the impact of Earth Hour?
According to a study by Zogby International, approximately 36 million Americans, or roughly 16 percent of the population, participate in Earth Hour. Across the globe, Earth Hour includes over 120 million people and results in a one-hour 4 percent reduction of energy consumption. The most important effects, however, are not in saving energy but in building awareness. The same study by Zogby found that people reported a four-percentage point increase in their level of concern about environmental problems immediately after Earth Hour.
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