Earth Hour first started in Sydney, Australia in 2007 with 2.2 million households taking part and is now a marked by countries, businesses and individuals across the globe. While it is difficult to determine the actual impact the switch off has on energy production (see the linked articles and discussions from Treehugger at the end of this post for more details), what it does do is highlight our reliance on modern technologies, demonstrate a commitment to reducing carbon emissions and is a symbolic means of taking a stand against climate change.
Depending where you are in the world, you'll see the Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House, the Brandenburg Gate, Empire State Building and Big Ben all switch off their lights for 60 mins, with the research team at Davis Station's Scientific Outpost, Antarctica, also taking part to make this year's event a truly global one.
Households can also take part by various means such as having a candle lit dinner party or by taking an evening stroll, making sure that all appliances are switched off (and that can include mobile phones if you're feeling brave). If you're a bar or entertainment venue, why not organise an hour of unplugged music while your customers relax by fire or candle light, or even by dimmed house lights if the other options aren't feasible.
http://www.earthhour.org
TreeHugger: Does Earth Hour Make a Difference?
Earth Hour Facebook
Earth Hour on Twitter
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