5 Reasons to #SwitchOff

Earth Hour is a powerful statement not a power saver - here's 5 reasons to #SwitchOff this Saturday

1. Step up to save the planet
There's no denying it, the planet is in a crisis. From this summer's dire bushfires to plastic trash islands floating in the sea, there's a lot to worry about and a lot that has to change. Earth Hour, the world's largest (and Aussie grown!) grassroots movement to protect the planet, is a chance to once again unite with millions of other people around the world to show your commitment to the planet, and your promise to take action beyond the hour.

2. Show Australian politicians you care about climate
In the wake of the catastrophic bushfires in Australia this summer, Earth Hour is urging Australians to raise their voice for nature and sign a petition calling for federal and state governments to take stronger climate action. The petition, to be delivered to 25 Australian political leaders in the lead up to Earth Hour, will call on federal and state governments to take urgent and direct action by:

• Implementing legislated plans in the next 12 months to accelerate the transition to a net-zero carbon economy.
• By the end of 2020, develop a costed industry plan for renewable exports to capitalise on Australia's abundant renewable energy resources and position Australia as a renewable export powerhouse.

It is anticipated over 500,000 messages of support will be sent by Australians to politicians in the lead up to Earth Hour on Saturday 28th March, 8.30pm local time.

3. Take a stand on biodiversity loss
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. Earth Hour 2020 is focusing its efforts on raising awareness and inspiring action on conserving nature and biodiversity, so by switching off on March 28th, you are acknowledging you care about our precious and unique wildlife.

4. Be part of a huge global movement
Starting as a symbolic lights out event in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has grown to engage individuals, businesses and organizations in over 7,000 cities and more than 180 countries and territories during the hour and beyond.

The event is marked by some of the world's most iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Opera House switching off their lights in solidarity with the cause of climate and environmental action. In 2019, thousands of local and national landmarks turned off their lights for Earth Hour and this year it's projected to be even bigger, as momentum continues to build across the globe in favour of finding real and lasting solutions.

5. Take the excuse for a night in
Let's be real, this is the excuse for a night in of Netflix we've all been looking for (and can justifiably take in the name of protecting the planet), right? Or, if you're feeling a tad more adventurous, head out into your city and watch the whole place go dark or grab some friends for a camping weekend under the stars.

Earth Hour is WWF's flagship global environmental movement. Born in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has grown to become one of the world's largest grassroots movements for the environment, inspiring individuals, communities, businesses and organizations in more than 187 countries and territories to take tangible environmental action for over a decade.