Earth Hour will be celebrated this year on the 19th March, between 8.30 and 9.30 pm. In a huge symbolic display, lights across the globe will be switched off for one hour in a show of solidarity in the fight against climate change.

The massive global movement, which began as a simple lights-off event in Sydney in 2007, has grown to engage hundreds of millions of supporters in more than 7000 cities and towns in over 172 countries and territories worldwide. From Sydney Opera House to the Eiffel Tower; from the Empire State Building to Big Ben; nearly all major landmarks across the globe take part each year, including Gibraltar.

In Gibraltar, our iconic Moorish Castle and the North Face of the Rock will cease to be illuminated for the entire weekend in an extended celebration of WWF's Earth Hour.

The Minister for the Environment & Climate Change urges the community to support Earth Hour by switching off all non-essential lighting on Saturday 19th March between 8.30 and 9.30 pm. [In particular, local shops and businesses are being asked to switch off display lighting in shop fronts and both the GFSB and the Chamber of Commerce have been contacted in this respect.]

There are a multitude of activities that can be carried out to show your support. Why not organise a candlelit dinner with friends to celebrate Earth Hour? Pretend your torch is a lightsaber and “use the force” ? Go for a nature walk and see what night-time wildlife you can spot!

For more ideas on how you can contribute to, and celebrate Earth Hour, please visit 

http://admin.earthhour.wwf.org.uk/60-things-dark/#.VsreF_krLIU