Earth Time 2024: When lights go out to protect our planet

This year has come the great moment when millions of citizens, attractions, important monuments, operators and businesses around the world will symbolically turn off the lights for exactly one hour (60 minutes), participating in the WWF’s global campaign for “the, ” to highlight the urgent need to protect our common home, our planet. Specifically, “Earth Time 2024” is to be held tonight (Saturday 23 March) at 20:30 p.m. and will last until 21.30 p.m. After a year that was described as the world’s hottest and with the valuation of burnt areas in Greece estimated at 1.7 million acres, this year’s action for “Earth Time” focuses on the forest. In fact, the Presidency of the Hellenic Republic is expected to participate in the initiative by turning off the lights of the Presidential Palace for an hour, as well as other monuments, buildings, bodies and municipalities of the country, sending their own message to protect the environment. The Earth Time movement (Earth Hour) is a global initiative launched by the World Nature Protection Organisation (WWF) in 2007, with the aim of raising people’s awareness of environmental and climate change issues. “Earth Time” is an annual event in which people, businesses, and governments are invited to turn off lights and turn off electrical devices for one hour, in order to express their participation in the fight against climate change and show their support for environmental protection. “Earth Time” has managed to mobilize millions of people in more than 180 countries, and it is a way for people to express their awareness and solidarity for the environment and sustainability. “Earth Time” recalls the importance of energy efficiency, saving resources and reducing pollutants. It also promotes awareness of the need for faster transition to renewable energy sources and the adoption of more sustainable practices. Although the “Earth Time” movement lasts only an hour, the goal is to encourage people to think about how they can improve their actions to protect the environment and combat climate change, not only during this hour, but throughout the year. “Earth Time” is a symbol of unity and commitment to preserve our planet and stimulates consciousness about the need to act together to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future for future generations to come. That is why WWF is calling on all citizens to leave their routine aside for a while and to spare 60 minutes to highlight the value of the forest and the importance of protecting it.