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earth hour 2018

Power Down for Climate Action

Earth Hour is a global “lights-out” event to save energy and raise awareness about climate change. Earth Hour will be observed on March 24 from 8:30 to 9:30 pm local time. This campaign has become the largest of its kind since beginning in Sydney, Australia in 2007. Last year, 187 countries and territories, as well as the International Space Station, participated.

Beyond turning out the lights, Earth Hour encourages people to use their social media feeds to call attention to climate issues. Last year, #EarthHour trended in 30 countries. Roughly 18,000 individual Facebook users and 15,000 Facebook pages used their feeds to promote the Earth Hour movement, spreading climate change awareness among millions of people.

Landmarks across the globe such as Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and Chicago’s Willis Tower also participate in this movement. The absence of these skyscrapers’ bright lights helps spread the message of sustainability. To recognize the scope of Earth Hour, check out this video of cities all over the world powering down during the 2013 event.

Northwestern will participate in Earth Hour by turning off landmark lights such as signage on the downtown campus and the Crown Clock Tower lights in Evanston. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to participate by making sure lights are off in unoccupied spaces. Students can join this movement during spring break trips, at home, or on campus. And to help conserve energy during Earth Hour and throughout spring break, students should remember to turn off lights and devices before leaving campus.

Earth Hour isn’t intended to be a one-and-done conservation event. Everyone can integrate the practices promoted through Earth Hour into daily life. Make it a habit to turn off all non-essential lights, look into composting food scraps, and unplug devices when not in use. Enjoy the outdoors while going green by biking or walking to work or class. Join us on March 24 for the global celebration of the climate change fight, and take part in your own home to make positive impacts on the earth.

Find more sustainability tips on sustainNU's website or the Citizens’ Greener Evanston website.