The #BiggestHourForEarth: Earth Hour 2024

Posted on 20 Mar 2024
On 23rd March 2024 at 8.30pm local time, Earth Hour will mobilise people around the world to ‘Give an hour for Earth’.

Inspiring more to work toward our 2030 Nature Positive Goals together

Earth Hour is а moment of unity that brings the world together, shines a spotlight on nature loss and the climate crisis, and inspires people to act and advocate for urgent change. Each year, we work together to turn a single Earth Hour into thousands and millions of hours of action for our one shared home.

But, the world has changed drastically since our movement started in 2007. Our planet has already been warmed by 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels and we are on course to hit a possible 1.5°C increase by 2030. The next few years are crucial to our future—we must stay under the 1.5°C climate threshold.

An essential ally against the climate crisis is nature. Yet, we are losing nature at an alarming and unprecedented rate, putting species at risk of extinction and placing us in grave danger.

Now, the real work starts—2030 is only six years away. We need more people, more than ever. Individuals, communities, businesses, and governments must all step up their actions for nature, climate, and our one home to secure a Nature Positive world. Let's get everyone to join in with Earth Hour to create the #BiggestHourforEarth.

On 23rd March 2024 at 8.30pm local time, Earth Hour will mobilise people around the world to ‘Give an hour for Earth’ 

This year on Saturday, 23rd March at 8.30pm local time, Earth Hour is calling on individuals, communities, and businesses across the world to switch off their lights and Give an hour for Earth, spending 60 minutes doing something positive for our planet. 

Launching the 'Hour Bank'

To support participants in finding the most interesting and impactful ways to Give an hour, we have launched the 'Hour Bank.'  
It is an online tool that encourages users to indicate their lifestyle interests and preferences in order to receive a personalized list of recommended activities and events they can take part in, as well as relevant resources to enhance their experience. Beyond this, the Hour Bank also allows users to pledge their support by 'banking' their hour, adding to our global count of the number of hours given to our one home, testament to our mission to create the Biggest Hour for Earth.

Earth Hour 2024 in the Green Heart of Europe

Anyone, anywhere is invited to Give an hour for Earth doing something they love. WWF offers boundless ideas and opportunities in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. From the lush landscapes of Bulgaria to the picturesque charm of Romania, and the vibrant energy of Hungary and even in Ukraine, there's something for everyone to get involved in. 

Be a food detective and discover planet-friendly swaps, or let your creativity flow by writing a poem about the Earth. WWF-Bulgaria invites you to catch Kung Fu Panda 4 at one of Sofia's premier cinemas, while WWF-Romania offers the know-how basket to celebrate with a nature-friendly school picnic activity or volunteer at the "Dimitrie Brândză" Botanical Garden in Bucharest. In Hungary, those seeking a deeper connection with nature can join WWF walks around Budapest, while WWF-Slovakia engages in tree planting initiatives in collaboration with the city of Bratislava. The event is part of the Memorandum of Cooperation, through which aims to improve conditions for pollinators in Bratislava. The WWF-Ukraine team steps into the Earth Hour with a selection of educational materials and tips about how to improve your habits and support Ukraine's nature in times of war. In the Czech Republic the WWF team suggests a variety of activities, including upcycling old furniture or reducing carbon footprint by biking or walking. 

Earth Hour isn't just about turning off lights; it's about embracing the myriad ways we can protect nature, and in our region the possibilities are endless. If you’ve thought of any other way to Give an hour for Earth that’s not listed on the WWF websites, go for it!
Kirsten Schuijt, Director General, WWF International:More people than ever need to join this year’s Earth Hour to leverage the collective power of individuals and communities. It’s crucial to get involved, if we want to raise awareness about the environmental challenges and bend the curve of biodiversity loss by 2030 . To truly unite millions across the globe, it is important that Earth Hour expands beyond its already massive pool of current supporters and engages with individuals who have not been involved yet. Protecting our planet is a shared responsibility and it demands collective action from every corner of society.

 


About Earth Hour 

Born in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has grown to become the world's largest grassroots environmental movement, inspiring individuals, communities, businesses and organisations in more than 190 countries and territories to take actions for our planet. Visit www.earthhour.org to find out more about the activities that happened during this year’s Earth Hour. 
 

© WWF-Bulgaria

© WWF-Romania

© WWF-CEE

© WWF-Slovakia