Lights out, climate protection on: Since 2007, environmental activists have called “Earth Hour” every year, sending a visible signal that people are taking better care of the Earth. On Saturday, March 25, 2023, it’s that time again. Not only well-known buildings, which are usually in the spotlight, remain in the dark for 60 minutes, citizens around the world also turn off the lights during this period. New Zealand and other Asia-Pacific countries are first. Austria starts at 20:30.
to become active
“Give the earth an hour and do something – anything – positive for our planet for 60 minutes,” environmental protection organization WWF International expands on this year’s campaign. As examples, she mentions taking advantage of nature in a conscious way, collecting garbage on the beach, planting a tree, shopping without plastic or watching a documentary about climate change and loss of biodiversity.
Soil protection in focus
WWF Austria also supports Earth Hour. Joschka Brangs, WWF Spokesperson for Biodiversity, focuses specifically on animal and plant species that are threatened with extinction due to soil consumption. In Austria, more than eleven hectares of soil are sealed in the last remaining natural areas every day. “The destruction of nature is reaching dramatic proportions – our earth urgently needs a break,” says Brangs.
Brangs sees a challenge for every individual. But he also holds politicians accountable: “We need a strong EU rewilding law before the climate and biodiversity crisis gets out of hand. Nationally, the federal government must agree to a soil protection treaty and provide a billion biodiversity”.
Specifically, the nature conservation organization calls for mandatory targets for the restoration of local natural gems such as rivers, forests, wetlands and salt lakes. An ambitious climate protection law is also behind schedule. Why: With the ability to fix carbon, intact nature is indispensable both to contain the climate crisis and to adapt to the consequences – such as protection against floods or droughts.
Dark from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm
In Austria, Earth Hour starts at 8:30 pm. At the other end of the earth it will already be dark. For example, New Zealand leaves the Sky Tower and Harbor Bridge in Auckland, the observation and telecommunications tower and the parliament building in the capital, Wellington, without lighting. In Sydney, Australia, the world famous opera would come a little later.
Australia with and without: Sydnes Opera 2022.
© Image: APA/AFP/STEVEN SAPHORE
190 countries turn off
Malaysia has announced that it will shut down the Petronas Towers – once the tallest building in the world. In Thailand’s capital Bangkok, five iconic structures including the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha – the country’s national shrine – make the list.
Millions of people in over 190 countries around the world are participating in the WWF campaign.