Photo: WWF Malaysia
On Saturday, 28 March, 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, Earth Hour, one of the world’s largest grassroots movements for the environment, will once again inspire individuals across the globe to join in solidarity for the planet by going digital!
Earth Hour started as a symbolic ‘lights out’ event back in 2007 and has now grown to become a true mass movement exemplifying the power of people in driving seismic changes. Earth Hour 2020 aims to see people from all across the globe raising their voice against pressing environmental issues in their countries, an unprecedented digital event that mobilizes millions of people online for the sake of the environment, like never before.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives from the COVID-19 outbreak and our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones or who are sick. In this hour of crisis, we need to unite now more than ever to safeguard our future and the future of our planet,” said Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International.
As for Greta Thunberg, the 17-year-old climate and environmental activist said, “Earth Hour for me is every hour of every day. The need to unite and protect our planet has never been greater. As we have been asked to avoid public gatherings to slow the spreading of the COVID-19 (coronavirus), I recommend everyone to come together virtually for #EarthHour to renew our commitment to the planet and use our voices to drive action online safely and responsibly.”
The global online movement will have countries across the globe pledging to fight for respective environmental concerns.
WWF-Malaysia will commemorate Earth Hour 2020 completely online with an invitation to everyone to share the Earth Hour message ‘As we look forward to Earth Hour, #Connect2Earth and raise your voice for nature by pledging to save Malayan tigers at wwf.org.my/EarthHour’ on their social media accounts and tag WWF-Malaysia.
They will also be sharing content on sustainability tips in the day, as well as Earth Hour #Connect2Earth video messages from local celebrities and Sophia Lim, the WWF-Malaysia Executive Director/CEO.
“With less than 200 Malayan tigers left, it really is now or never. As we countdown to Earth Hour, #Connect2Earth and raise your voice for nature by pledging to save our Malayan tigers at wwf.org.my/EarthHour,” said Ms. Sophia Lim, WWF-Malaysia Executive Director/CEO.
Singapore will also be going fully digital for the first time ever with “Earth Hour 2020 - Live & Unplugged” a live-streamed, digital-only performance bringing together Singapore’s diverse voices for the environment.
Nepal will see its youths from all over the country come together digitally for Earth Hour to raise their #VoiceForThePlanet and share their thoughts, art, and photography on the need to protect and appreciate nature.
South Africa on the other hand is launching a digital “Power to the People” campaign for a renewed focus on clean and reliable sources of energy.
These people-led initiatives around the world are crucial in creating awareness on the importance of nature and prompt action to help solve some of the earth’s biggest environmental issues. Now, it’s more crucial than ever, for all of us to stand together and unite to help Mother Earth.
Join us for Earth Hour 2020 and spread positive messages for the Earth this Saturday, 28 March!
By: Siti Farhana Sheikh Yahya
