Earth Hour: How a Simple Act Became a Global Movement

For over a decade, Earth Hour has grown into one of the most influential environmental movements across the globe. It started as a small initiative in Australia and quickly gained momentum, inspiring millions of people across continents. But how did Earth Hour begin? Why has it received such strong support? And what efforts have been made to spread its powerful message?

Let’s explore the answers together with Chus.

Earth Hour - One hour for our shared home

1. What is Earth Hour?

Earth Hour is an annual international event initiated by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The event encourages individuals, communities, businesses, and governments worldwide to turn off non-essential lights and electrical devices for one hour on the last Saturday of March each year. This single hour serves as a break for our planet, reducing the enormous energy consumption that occurs every minute.

Even though Earth Hour only lasts 60 minutes, it serves as a reminder of the environmental impact of daily energy use. The one-hour blackout symbolizes a global commitment to energy conservation, inspiring people to adopt long-term sustainable habits.

About the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

• Founded in 1961 in Morges, Switzerland, initially as the World Wildlife Fund.
• WWF was created in response to the rapid decline of wildlife populations globally.
• Its main mission is to conserve biodiversity and minimize human impact on the environment.
• WWF was among the first international NGOs to operate in Vietnam.
• It has supported Vietnam in developing conservation strategies and works closely with the government and partners to tackle environmental challenges.

Earth Hour 2025 Event

2. Where Did Earth Hour Originate?

2.1. The Initial Idea: A Local Movement with a Global Vision

The idea for Earth Hour originated in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, when researchers studied the environmental effects of excessive electricity use.

On March 31, 2007, WWF Australia partnered with the Sydney Morning Herald to launch the first Earth Hour. The campaign urged residents to turn off their lights for one hour to raise awareness about climate change and excessive energy consumption.

Surprisingly, the movement gained massive support, with 2.2 million households and businesses in Sydney switching off their lights. The overwhelming participation demonstrated that people were eager to take action for the environment.

2.2. Global Spread of Earth Hour

The success of Sydney’s Earth Hour sparked international interest. By 2008, the event had transformed into a worldwide movement, involving:

• Over 50 million participants
• 370 cities across 35 countries
• Iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, Colosseum, and Sydney Opera House turning off their lights in solidarity

Since then, Earth Hour has continued to expand, making it one of the largest environmental initiatives globally.

By 2024, Earth Hour had reached:

• More than 180 countries
• Millions of participants worldwide
• A collective contribution of over 1.4 million hours of reduced energy consumption

The powerful statistics of Earth Hour 2024 (Photo: WWF)

3. The Meaning of Earth Hour

Earth Hour is more than just an event - it’s a movement that inspires long-term action for the environment.

3.1. Energy Conservation

While Earth Hour lasts only one hour, it carries a powerful symbolic message about the importance of energy conservation. Using energy efficiently helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigates climate change.

This event encourages individuals to think about sustainable energy consumption in daily life.

3.2. Raising Awareness About Climate Change

Turning off lights during Earth Hour is a visual reminder of our dependence on energy and urges people to minimize their environmental impact.

People turning off lights to support Earth Hour

3.3. Encouraging Environmental Action

Earth Hour is not just about turning off lights - it promotes environmental responsibility through various activities, such as:

• Reducing plastic bag usage for an hour (for businesses)
• Organizing waste collection and sorting events
• Conducting eco-friendly initiatives

3.4. Building Community Connection

Earth Hour is a global event that unites millions across different continents. It fosters a spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility, transcending nationality, race, or religion.

People joining hands for Earth Hour (Photo: Nhân Dân Newspaper)

Participating in Earth Hour goes beyond environmental protection - it’s about coming together for a common cause. The movement emphasizes the idea that small actions can have a significant impact in raising awareness and driving meaningful change.

4. How Different Countries Celebrate Earth Hour

4.1. Earth Hour in Australia

As the birthplace of Earth Hour, Australia celebrates with grand events. Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne organize large-scale blackout events, attracting thousands of participants.

Sydney Opera House during Earth Hour

4.2. Earth Hour in Singapore

Singapore is known for its creative Earth Hour activities. Iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay switch off their lights, creating a mesmerizing sight.

The country also hosts concerts, exhibitions, and educational programs about sustainability.

Earth Hour celebration in Singapore

4.3. Earth Hour in France

In France, the Eiffel Tower participates in Earth Hour, briefly plunging into darkness. This breathtaking moment delivers a strong message to both the French people and the global audience.

Other French cities also organize concerts, parades, and awareness campaigns.

 

The Eiffel Tower darkens for Earth Hour (Photo: AzerNews)

4.4. Earth Hour in Vietnam

Vietnam is among the most active participants in Earth Hour. Every year, major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City hold:

• Public blackouts in central districts
• Cycling parades
• Environmental painting contests
• Eco-themed performances

Many cafes and restaurants also celebrate Earth Hour by hosting acoustic music nights and providing candle-lit dining experiences.

A familiar Hanoi landmark during Earth Hour (Photo: Nhân Dân Newspaper Archive)

Did You Know?

According to Vietnam’s National Load Dispatch Center (EVN):

• Earth Hour 2024: Vietnam saved 428,000 kWh of electricity (~859 million VND).
• Earth Hour 2023: Vietnam saved 298,000 kWh (~555.6 million VND).

These figures highlight how just one hour of power reduction can significantly contribute to energy conservation and emission reduction.

5. Do people give gifts during Earth Hour?

Earth Hour isn't a traditional gift-giving event, but many organizations release eco-friendly merchandise to support environmental causes. Popular items include organic cotton T-shirts, reusable tote bags, stainless steel straws, bamboo cutlery, and solar-powered lanterns. Some brands also sell Earth Hour-themed candles, water bottles, or upcycled products, with proceeds funding conservation projects.

Businesses may offer special Earth Hour promotions, such as discounts on sustainable products or donations to green initiatives. 

While the focus of Earth Hour is awareness and action, giving a sustainable gift can inspire long-term eco-friendly habits. If gifting, ensure it aligns with the spirit of conservation!

Conclusion

Earth Hour is a global initiative with profound significance in promoting energy efficiency, climate awareness, and environmental action. It proves that when people unite for a common goal, even small actions can create incredible change.

Through this event, individuals worldwide - including the people of Vietnam - have an opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Looking for more eco-friendly inspirations? Explore Chus for unique, sustainable gifts and meaningful souvenirs!