WWF’s Earth Hour returns for its 18 edition

KARACHI:

WWF’s Earth Hour, the world’s largest grassroots environmental movement, returned for its 18th edition with the ‘Biggest Hour for Earth’ on March 23, in support and celebration of our planet. In an increasingly divided world facing multiple environmental crises, Earth Hour serves as a beacon of positivity, hope, and inspiration, rallying as many people as possible, particularly those not fully engaged with the environmental crisis yet.

Since its inception in 2007, Earth Hour has been known for its ‘lights off’ moment. As landmarks and homes across the world switched off, supporters were invited to symbolically switch off and ‘Give an hour for Earth’, spending 60 minutes doing something positive for the planet.

In 2023, over 410,000 hours were dedicated to our planet by supporters in 190 countries and territories, representing 90 per cent of the planet, making it the Biggest Hour for Earth. In Pakistan, landmarks, including the President House, Parliament House, Pak-China Friendship Centre, Convention Centre, Election Commission of Pakistan, and offices of various corporate entities switched off their lights to show commitment for the earth.

Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General of WWF-Pakistan, highlighted that Pakistan is among the top 10 countries worst affected by the adverse impacts of climate change. In 2022, widespread rains and devastating floods resulted in more than 1,700 human casualties, economic losses, and serious damages to infrastructure and agriculture.

Khan urged the adoption of a climate-resilient development model, promotion of nature-based solutions, and conservation of energy and water resources. He added, “This Earth Hour unites us to contribute towards the common cause which improves the health of the planet and well-being of the people, conserves biodiversity, and mitigates the negative impacts of climate change.”

The ‘Give an hour for Earth’ call-to-action aims to make participation easy and fun, encouraging individuals not only to symbolically switch off lights but also to spend 60 minutes doing something positive for the planet while enjoying an activity they love.

Renowned TV actor and WWF-Pakistan Goodwill Ambassador, Ushna Shah, remarked that Earth Hour has been a beacon of hope for our planet since its inception, and this time, it coincided with Pakistan Day, giving people even more reason to come together. She appealed to people to join this event in creating the Biggest Hour for Earth. “It is 60 minutes of pure positivity, doing anything and everything to benefit our beautiful planet,” she observed.

Adventure athlete Samar Khan, in her brief message, stated that Earth Hour is more than just turning off lights. “It's coming together for one shared home. Encouraging citizens to join the event,” Khan said, “Whether you are a foodie, a fitness enthusiast, a lover of entertainment, or just want to enjoy some quality family time, there is something for everyone. So come on, let us give an hour to Earth because every small action counts.”

Earth Hour 2024 activities were launched in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad with private and underprivileged school students. More than 975 students were engaged, giving more than 2,900 hours through a series of fun and engaging activities including a nature scavenger hunt, origami, mural art painting to promote climate stewardship, and many more.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 24^th, 2024.