#EARTHHOURLIVE

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, WWF will host Earth Hour a little differently this year, giving Australians everywhere the chance to still get involved in one of the world's largest and longest running grassroots environmental movements via a digital livestream – #EarthHourLive.

This year for the first time on Saturday 28 March at 8.30pm AEDT, WWF-Australia will livestream Earth Hour, kicking off with live crosses to lights out from around the country, performances from musicians, comedians and other special guests, with the line up soon to be announced.

The #EarthHourLive stream can be viewed on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram and at earthhour.org.au/earth-hour-live

Earth Hour 2020 will be a digital-only event to protect the community in line with government COVID-19 requirements, so that everyone can safely get involved with Earth Hour from the comfort of their homes.

#EarthHourLive will also provide an accessible, online alternative for those impacted by the cancelation of their local Earth Hour events.

While public Earth Hour events have been cancelled to prioritise community safety, landmarks around Australia including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Luna Park Sydney and Melbourne, The Wheel of Brisbane, Melbourne Star Observation Wheel and The Bell Tower in Perth will still be switching off their lights in a symbolic moment that will be streamed as part of #EarthHourLive.

WWF-Australia CEO Dermot O'Gorman said, "Staying connected as a community and looking for positive ways we can contribute is more important than ever as the world responds to the coronavirus crisis."

"The act of switching off our lights for Earth Hour has always been a show of solidarity for stronger action on climate change and a chance for millions of people worldwide to collectively raise their voice for nature.

"This year will be dramatically different as we all strive to control the spread of COVID-19. Many of us will be spending our Saturday night at home, but we can still connect to a community of supporters around Australia and be part of a positive moment for the planet," said Mr O'Gorman.

2020 is expected to be a pivotal year for climate change action, as world leaders prepare to make decisions on environmental policy that will impact the planet for years to come – making this the most important Earth Hour yet.

To sign up to Earth Hour visit WWF-Australia's website: https://www.earthhour.org.au