"Earth Hour: Why we get black in the face and switch off the light for 1 hour

On Saturday, 28 March, it will go dark worldwide for one hour during "Earth Hour" - at least that is the plan. The global action will shed light on the issues of nature conservation and biodiversity. We explain how it works and what it is supposed to achieve.

On Saturday, 28 March, it will go dark worldwide for one hour during "Earth Hour" - at least that is the plan. The global action will shed light on the issues of nature conservation and biodiversity. We explain how it works and what it is supposed to achieve.

One, two, three, lights out! This year on 28 March - or the last Saturday in March - the Earth will once again go dark for one hour. The global "Earth Hour" campaign is intended to set a collective example and stand up for the environment and biodiversity.

What is Earth Hour about?

Earth Hour is probably the largest environmental and climate campaign in the world. The primary aim is for the world to stand up for the environment and for everyone to send a clear signal: On 28 March, at 8:30 p.m. (in the respective time zone), all lights worldwide will be switched off for one hour - regardless of whether they are well-known landmarks, street lamps, shop window lights or private lamps in one's own home. As a peaceful protest movement, the action initiated by the WWF aims to shed light on the issues of the environment and biodiversity and thus bring about a rethink in society.

Does the "Earth Hour" have any effect at all?

The action is not about saving the world by putting out the lights. Rather, it is a symbolic gesture that it is possible to raise awareness if everyone pulls together. This is most evident when you look at the origins of the campaign: Earth Hour was first held in Sydney, Australia, in 2007. At that time, the primary aim was to promote the reduction of_{CO2 emissions}. More than ten years later, over 7000 cities in 180 different countries are already participating in the campaign.

In 2007, mainly private households took part in the campaign. In the meantime, however, participation is increasing, especially among entire cities and various companies. This year, for example, the Empire State Building in New York, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Hong Kong skyline and the Pyramids of Giza will darken their landmarks for one hour. The motto is: the bigger the action and participation, the bigger the symbol. Finally, an appeal is being made this year to the political decision-makers. They should finally see the light, so that they commit themselves (more) to a living planet.

Is Switzerland also taking part in Earth Hour?

In Switzerland, too, entire cities, companies and also many private individuals have been taking part in the campaign for several years. From Aarau to Lenzburg and Zurich in German-speaking Switzerland, Arbaz to Veytaux in French-speaking Switzerland and Bellinzona to Lugano in Ticino, a total of over 40 Swiss cities are taking part. For example, Basel Cathedral, the Rhine Falls and Lucerne's Chapel Bridge will go black for 60 minutes. Only safety-relevant street lighting defies the darkness.

How can you join in?

The easiest way to do your part is to turn off the lights! On 28 March at 8:30 pm, consciously refrain from switching on the lights for one hour. After all, there are great things you can do in the dark - a candlelight dinner, for example. But also profound conversations about God and the world allow us to consciously concentrate on the other person in complete darkness - whether in person or on the phone. Although light pollution will not disappear completely even with the large participation in the action on the evening of 28 March, the starry sky can be wonderfully observed in the darkness. Or, for once, you can simply go to bed earlier than usual!