Starting as a symbolic lights out event in Sydney in 2007, World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF’s) Earth Hour has grown to become the world's largest grassroots movement for the environment, inspiring individuals, communities, businesses and organisations in more than 180 countries and territories to take tangible climate action for over a decade.
Iconic landmarks, millions of homes, businesses and political leaders across the world switch off their lights for an hour at 20h30 to celebrate our natural world and as a rallying call to protect it.
With global biodiversity declining at an unprecedented and alarming rate, up to one million species threatened with extinction and the planet on the brink of runaway global warming, it is ever more important to raise awareness that nature is the critical foundation of a healthy planet and an immediate, powerful and cost-effective solution to climate disaster.
The rate of global loss of nature during the past 50 years is unprecedented in human history. And yet, intact natural systems are imperative to all our futures. Nature not only benefits us by providing our food, water and clean air, it is also a key ally against climate change.
If we keep consuming the planet’s resources like there is no tomorrow, there may very well be “no tomorrow”.
Earth Hour 2020 is an opportunity to join millions around the world and raise your voice for nature.
World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa’s (WWF-SA’s) CEO Dr Morné du Plessis explains: “Traditionally during Earth Hour, people from around the world take part in a symbolic switch-off for an hour. But in South Africa, where Eskom is switching off the lights on our behalf, we feel it would be more appropriate to use this symbolic moment to shine a light on our national energy crisis and highlight the link between the global climate crisis and our addiction to coal.”
Residents of Johannesburg and Cape Town will have the chance to add their voice to the global drive for positive environmental change with an outdoor adventure to be held at the Kirstenbosch and Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, with the support of Virgin Active. Both events are fundraisers for WWF-SA and proceeds go towards supporting their conservation efforts for nature.
Join Earth Hour on 20h30 - 21h30 to show your support in the fight against nature loss and climate crisis.
Earth Hour 2020 (3.1 MB)
