When is Earth Hour 2024 and how can you get involved?

People are being urged to “switch off and give Earth an hour off” this Saturday to mark Earth Hour.

Millions around the world will switch off their lights to show they care about the future of our planet in the annual event which has become one of the world’s largest climate-positive movements.

Established by the World Wildlife Fund and partners in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour’s switch-off is supposed to remind us that even small actions can make a big difference.

When is Earth Hour?

The 2024 event will take place on Saturday, March 23, at 8.30pm UK time.

What is Earth Hour?

Organisers see Earth Hour as not just a gesture but a symbol of hope, unity, and collective action.

Wherever you are in the world, people are urged to show support for environmental issues affecting the planet by switching off lights for an hour between 8.30pm and 9.30pm.

On their website, the WWF said: “Could an hour change the world? Earth Hour is your time to switch off and dedicate an hour to help bring our world back to life.

“You can do this any way you like, by spending 60 minutes doing something – anything – positive for our planet.”

How else can I get involved?

There are plenty of free online events taking place, and more ideas about how you can get involved on the official website.

The WWF suggests switching off your electricity and taking a break from your devices. You could do something positive for your local environment, such as planting flowers or gardening in an allotment.

You could use Earth Hour to calculate your footprint and make a plan to reduce it, or you could enjoy a sustainable meal with family and friends.

The most important thing is that you take the time to do something positive for our planet.