Historical landmarks across the world went dark this past Saturday for the 10th edition of the Earth Hour campaign against climate change. From Hong Kong’s breathtaking skyline, to London’s iconic eye, iconic locations from all over dimmed their lights.
Since 2007, Earth Hour has encouraged people to turn off their lights for an hour, to raise awareness of environmental issues.
Iconic landmarks around the world turn out the lights for #EarthHour 2016 https://t.co/UXx9womF7hpic.twitter.com/duNDJnuJen
— Mashable (@mashable) March 20, 2016
The lights will be out at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Holyroodhouse at 8.30pm tomorrow for #EarthHourpic.twitter.com/QEDC7llcvS
— BritishMonarchy (@BritishMonarchy) March 18, 2016
In the big picture, an hour doesn’t change much. But it could spark further climate action at a time when action is badly needed.
.@UNFCCC staff wish you a happy #EarthHour tomorrow! Let's turn off the lights at 8:30 pm to #ChangeClimateChange! pic.twitter.com/bA3yLCetft
— Momentum for Change (@Momentum_UNFCCC) March 18, 2016
Climate change is rapidly progressing. 2015 was the hottest year ever recorded. Extreme storms, droughts and floods are becoming more common. Coastlines are being submerged. Species are going extinct. And all sorts of other chain reactions are happening that threaten humanity. In the decades ahead, the Earth could be a much different place.
As Leonardo Dicaprio said, “Climate change is real. It is happening right now, it is the most urgent threat facing our entire species and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating.”
Well, that is exactly what Earth Hour is trying to rally the world to do. More than 350 landmarks in 178 countries took part in the event.
Earth Hour's global executive director Siddarth Das told AFP from Singapore, "From one city it has now grown to over 178 countries and territories and over 7,000 cities, so we couldn't be happier about how millions of people across the world are coming together for climate action.”
The annual event kicked off in Sydney, where the Earth Hour idea originated.
From Sydney, the gesture then traveled to Hong Kong, Singapore, Rome, Athens, London, and Paris. Lights then began to dim in NYC, Santiago and even the Canadian Prime Minister got in on the action, tweeting a photo in the dim candle lighting.
We're all on this planet together. During #EarthHour and every day thereafter. Read more: https://t.co/0IPjVRfM0Xpic.twitter.com/OdJnAAwKnd
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 20, 2016
Earth Hour showcases the unity and universal commitment the world needs to fight climate change. But the fight against climate change does not have to be limited to just one hour out of the year. The world can learn from Earth Hour and extend its message to every hour of every day. Climate change is urgent and the world must work together to take action to save the environment for future generations.
Check out the historic landmarks below as they turned dark: