Earth hour 2019: What is the WWF switch off event in March? What time should you turn off your lights in the UK?

Cities around the globe are getting ready to plunge themselves into darkness in a symbolic call for more action on climate change.

Schools, offices, major landmarks and households alike will switch off their lights for 60 minutes to mark Earth Hour on Saturday night.

An event recognised around the globe, Earth Hour is organised by the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) to draw attention to climate change and call for international unity on its importance.

Here is all you need to know about Earth Hour 2019.

What time is Earth Hour in the UK?

Earth Hour in 2019 will take places on Saturday March 30, between 8.30pm and 9.30pm (GMT).

How is WWF marking Earth Hour?

Earth hour encourages people to think about the effects of climate change on our planet.

WWF said: "Earth Hour gives a powerful voice to people everywhere who want to put the world on the path to recovery.

"Each year, millions of people around the world switch off their lights and organise events – at home, in their community or in their towns or cities – to show they care about the future of our planet."

How to take part in Earth Hour 2019

Anyone can take part in Earth Hour by turning off their lights and electrical appliances for the full hour.

This year WWF are inviting people to use the hashtag #EarthHourUK to encourage everyone to take part.

The charity says: "By making pledges to help our planet, and by being part of a movement of hundreds of millions more around the globe, we can show we’re fighting for our world."

WWF also outlined several other ways to get involved including switching to green energy, reusing or composting left overs, turning your washing machine down to 30 degrees and investing in a reusable water bottle.

Participants can also make their own individual pledge. On the WWF website there is a list of “pledges” for participants to choose from.

Alongside this, Ariel Laundry Detergent donate £1 to protecting the planet for each individual that promises to live a more environmentally friendly life on Earth Hour’s website.

When did Earth Hour start?

WWF’s Earth Hour campaign began as a symbolic lights out in Sydney 2007.

Since then it has grown into the largest grassroots movement for the environment in the world.

Where is Earth Hour celebrated?

Earth hour is celebrated all over the globe. Some of the world’s biggest landmarks including Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower, Buckingham Palace and Edinburgh castle will switch off their lights.

In 2017 approximately nine million people took part in Earth hour, and in 2018 a record-breaking 188 countries and around 17,900 landmarks turned their lights off for climate change.

Earth Hour says: "Millions of people switched their lights off for an hour, and the Earth Hour 2018 campaign saw #EarthHour and #Connect2Earth trend on Twitter in 33 countries."