At 8:30pm on Saturday 22 March, many of the most iconic landmarks across the UK will be plunged into darkness as they switch off their lights for WWF’s Earth Hour.
The global event, now in its 19th year since launching in 2007, will see landmarks from around the world switching off their lights, which have previously included Christ the Redeemer, The Acropolis and Sydney Harbour.
This year, UK landmarks joining the global movement include: The London Eye, Buckingham Palace, London City Hall, Trafalgar Square, The Palace of Westminster, Windsor Castle, Clarence House, Piccadilly Lights, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Tate St Ives, The Liver Building, Arbroath Abbey, Linlithgow Palace, The Engine Shed, Sueno’s Stone and Stirling Castle.
People can also take part in Earth Hour at home or in their communities – with activities such as tuning into nature’s soundtrack, meditating with nature, or supporting WWF’s conservation campaigns and citizen science projects.
Earth Hour is a time to switch off, connect with loved ones, reflect on the collective impact we’re having on the planet and commit to restoring nature and ourselves. During Earth Hour, simply taking the time to pause and connect with nature is also brilliant for our mental wellbeing. Just 20 minutes in nature each day can reduce stress and anxiety, lift our mood and help our minds rest, even at home.
Lisa Lee, Executive Director of Brand, Campaigns and Communications, WWF-UK said: “Earth Hour is a moment for all of us to switch off from our busy lives, reflect, and reconnect with nature and the wellbeing benefits it provides. As landmarks, businesses, and individuals across the world turn off their lights, we can show our shared commitment to protecting the planet. This is also an opportunity to consider how we can take action as individuals and communities to restore nature and allow nature to restore us, during Earth Hour and beyond.”
Get your daily dose of nature during Earth Hour
WWF has some simple ideas for individuals and communities to get their daily dose of nature from the comfort of their own home to make the most of Earth Hour and beyond:
Tune into nature’s soundtrack – For a simple but seriously effective dose of nature, listen to some natural soundscapes. These audio recordings of the natural world are soothing to our soul and can encourage our mind, muscles and heart rate to relax. Explore WWF’s Soundscape series on YouTube for inspiration.
Meditate with nature – Switch off and have a mindful moment with nature. Guided nature meditation can transport us to jungles, forests, oceans and deserts all from the comfort of our own home. There are plenty of options to try and WWF’s guided meditation ‘Step into the Forest’ with Miranda Richardson is a great place to start.
Become a walrus detective – Join WWF’s citizen science project and search for walrus in images from space to learn more about how the climate crisis is affecting the species and support conservation work.
Join the Open Iftar at Shepards Bush Market – In collaboration with the Ramadan Tent Project, Open Iftar is a community event to gather people for the fast-breaking meal of the holy month of Ramadan. Starting from 5pm until 7:30pm, just before Earth Hour itself, everyone is invited, of all faiths and no faiths, to connect with others over a vegetarian or vegan meal and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of nature and community during Ramadan and beyond.
Enjoy a concert by candlelight – Join members of Orchestra for the Earth and Music Director John Warner for a candlelit concert at St Giles Church, Camberwell, during Earth Hour from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on Saturday 22 March. Taking place under the magnificent backlit East Window, designed by John Ruskin, listeners can share his love of nature with nature-inspired music from Mahler and Richard Strauss, alongside insights into Ruskin’s works from Financial Times journalist, Andrew Hill. Tickets and full information available at: https://www.orchestrafortheearth.co.uk/ofe-events
Download a NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET playlist – Music Declares Emergency and WWF have teamed up with artists and bands including Guy Garvey, The Maccabees, Hot Wax, Slowdive, Lou Hayter, Goat Girl, Dougie Poynter, Katy J Pearson and Iwan Rheon, to create nature-inspired playlists for music lovers to access and switch off to during Earth Hour. Music lovers can access and download the playlists from Wednesday 19 March by signing up and joining the movement at NOMUSICONADEADPLANET.ORG.
Calculate your footprint – Check out WWF’s footprint calculator or the MyFootprint app to calculate your personal impact and make a plan to reduce it – it’s possible to make a big difference by taking small steps.
Explore the WWF campaign hub – Find out how to influence politicians and make a difference in your local area.
Get a Prescription for Nature – Explore WWF’s Prescription for Nature hub for a range of different ways to get your daily dose of nature beyond Earth Hour too.
Simply switch off – Take an hour to switch off and connect with loved ones. This is where Earth Hour all began – everyone getting involved is a part of a movement of millions of people around the world.
