One Hour, One Planet

A Message from World Wildlife Fund

There's never been anything like it – so many continents, families, governments, landmarks, schools, organizations, businesses and individuals coming together to speak with one voice. With the signs of climate change all around us, Earth Hour came at a time when everyone's voice needs to be heard. The time for action on climate change is now, and thanks to Earth Hour, you and millions of people across the globe have sent that message loud and clear.

Where do we go from here? Hopefully Earth Hour was a chance for you to reflect on what you can do to fight climate change – reduce your energy use, encourage others to do the same, and join local and national efforts to protect our environment and improve our policies.

Earth Hour was just the beginning. Across America and around the globe, we had tremendous turnout and success. Now it's up to you to keep us headed in the right direction.

Thank you – for March 29, and for every day from now until we win the fight to protect our planet.

Earth Hour San Francisco

The city of San Francisco's massive efforts to spread the word and make it happen culminated last Saturday night in an unprecedented demonstration in support of the planet and its future.

The Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco Town Hall. Hewlett-Packard Headquarters. The Bay Bridge. AT&T Park. Ghirardelli Square. Alcatraz. Coit Tower. And so many more.

All of these landmarks went dark for Earth Hour, fundamentally changing the look of San Francisco's famous skyline. And we'll never forget it.

Everyone involved in Earth Hour San Francisco should feel proud of their achievement. You reminded all of us what can happen when a community unites behind a worthy cause. San Francisco went above and beyond, and the world noticed.

Earth Hour Chicago

Congrats, Chicago! During Earth Hour, Chicago and Northern Illinois reduced their electricity consumption by 7 percent (or 818 megawatt hours)! That's the equivalent of eliminating 1.3 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions; saving 72,000 gallons of gasoline; planting 158 acres of trees; or taking more than 1 million cars off the road for an hour (courtesy of ComEd). What an accomplishment!

But we're not all that surprised.

The city of Chicago has amazed us time and time again during the build-up to Earth Hour. We watched with excitement as hundreds of businesses, organizations and individuals signed up to turn down their lights. Thank you, everyone, for your participation. Earth Hour Chicago will not be forgotten.

Earth Hour Atlanta

March 29th was the night the lights went out in Georgia, and it was fantastic!

Coca-Cola Headquarters. CNN Center. Georgia Aquarium. Bank of America Plaza. Georgia State Capitol Building. The Fabulous Fox Theatre. Georgia Dome. Turner Field. Freedom Parkway. Westin Peachtree Plaza. And more.

In all, 400 buildings in Atlanta participated in Earth Hour, far exceeding our expectations and making history in the process. But Earth Hour Atlanta was about so much more than buildings; it was about the individuals–the community members–who came together for that hour to demonstrate their readiness for change and a commitment to the environment.

We at WWF sincerely thank you for your incredible participation and support. We could not have done it without you!

Earth Hour Phoenix

Phoenix turned out for Earth Hour in a big way!

Staudamires served eco-tinis with glow sticks. Residents roamed the streets with glow-in-the-dark necklaces, while stargazers gathered at the Arizona Science Center to take in the view with the telescopes it provided. The US Airways Center went dark as did every other building marquee on the Phoenix skyline. And as the giant dome at Chase Field began to close last Saturday night, the announcer told Arizona Diamondback fans inside that they were honoring Earth Hour by blocking out the stadium lights.

From 8-9pm on March 29th, Arizonans from every walk of life came together in a way we never could have expected. Everyone involved deserves a huge thank you for their time and dedication to this cause. Because of you, Earth Hour Phoenix was a great success!

Start Spreading the News

The Coca-Cola sign in Times Square featured Earth Hour and went dark on March 29th.


Google went dark for the entire day on March 29.

Hour after Hour, Across America

Earth Hour in America was not just about big landmarks, big cities and big actions. Smaller cities and towns took part. Schools. Government buildings and corporate offices. Restaurants. And people. Lots of people.

Power consumption dropped four percent during Earth Hour in Valdosta, Georgia, according to a local utility. The Mayor's aiming for 10 percent in 2009.

In Quincy, Illinois, and in Keokuk, Iowa, 35 percent of people polled said they turned out for Earth Hour.

In Denver, the Qwest Building went dark. Some cities that didn't take part are already planning to turn out next year. And while many call Washington, D.C., a "power town," it was power down on Saturday. Some power players played board games with their kids by candlelight.

Sons and daughters, players and parents across America, thank you all for taking part.

Around the World in an Hour

Earth Hour started last year in Australia. It took off there this year, too.

"LET there be dark!," the Sydney Morning Herald reported on the morning after. "Suddenly, at the appointed hour, Sydney's glittering skyline was in silhouette and soft focus. The famous harbour, usually flashing with light and life, dissolved into ink, and, at vantage points around the foreshore, cheers went up from those who had gathered to watch a fireworks display in reverse."

In Canada, more than 150 cities joined the Earth Hour honor roll, as landmarks there marked the hour. The CN tower. Niagara Falls. Parade Square in Halifax.

Across the globe, school kids in the United Arab Emirates took part in Earth Hour. And Tel Aviv took to the Hour two days early, to avoid conflicts with the Sabbath. Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres symbolically threw the switch.

Earth Hour reached every continent on the planet. Thank you.

Images from Around the World

Fiji
Fiji 60

Canada
Nelly Furtado
CN Tower before
CN Tower after

Dublin
Custom House before and after
Four Seasons Hotel dining room

Greece
Aegina Island

Antarctica
Antarctica image

Climate (For) Change – Earth Hour's Weekly Tip

To save energy at home, keep your place 3 degrees hotter in the summer and 3 degrees cooler in the winter and consider washing your clothes in warm or cold water.

For more information about climate change, visit worldwildlife.org/climate.