KUALA LUMPUR: Earth Hour, the world's largest grassroots movement for the environment, is set to unite millions of people around the world today to show solidarity for both people and the planet.
More than 190 countries and territories are expected to take part in this event where they will turn off their lights for one hour from 8.30pm to 9.30pm (local time).
In Malaysia, two of the country's iconic landmarks - Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower - will be switching off their lights in conjunction with the WWF's flagship global environmental movement.
WFF-Malaysia said apart from that, the organisation, in partnership with JomRun, is organising an Earth Hour Virtual Run for Nature from March 27 to April 22.
All the proceeds from the Earth Hour Virtual Run for Nature, it said will go towards the organisation's conservation efforts.
WWF-Malaysia executive director and chief executive officer Sophia Lim said Earth Hour was founded to unite the world in support of people and the planet.
"Our vision has always been to create positive environmental impacts through the power of the crowd.
"This year, Earth Hour is even more meaningful as it marks WWF-Malaysia's 50 years of nature conservation efforts."
A host of global landmarks will take part in the symbolic switch off moment on March 26, which seeks to communicate a safer, fairer and more sustainable future for everyone.
This ranges from the Sydney Opera House where Earth Hour began in 2007, to the Gateway of India, Beijing Phoenix Center in China, Brandenburg Gate in Germany, the Colosseum in Italy, Empire State Building in the US and Christ the Redeemer in Brazil.
WWF International director-general Marco Lambertini said Earth Hour 2022 calls for the world to unite in a moment of solidarity for people and the planet.
"We know that alongside the many challenges we face, especially in these unprecedented times, 2022 remains to be a critical year for the planet, our shared home.
"This year the world will come together to agree on a Paris-style agreement for nature, and this presents a once in a decade opportunity for leaders to agree on a plan to reverse nature loss by 2030 and build a nature-positive future.
"We also know that in order to build a future in harmony with nature we also need peace amongst people.
"Which is why this year's Earth Hour offers a moment of solidarity with all peoples suffering from wars and conflicts around the world; a chance for our global community to express what matters to them, to take positive action and to call for a world where people and planet are able to thrive together."
WWF-Malaysia urges Malaysians to Pledge for Nature at wwf.org.my/earthhour in line with Malaysia's National 100 million tree planting campaign 2020-2025.
Malaysians can also show their support by joining the Earth Hour Virtual Run for Nature.
Born in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has grown to become the world's largest grassroots movement for the environment, inspiring individuals, communities, businesses and organisations in more than 190 countries and territories to take tangible environmental action.
Historically, Earth Hour has focused on the climate crisis, but more recently, Earth Hour has strived to address a range of concerns facing people and planet.
The movement recognises the role of individuals in creating solutions to the planet's most pressing environmental challenges and harnesses the collective power of its millions of supporters to drive change.
Since its inception in 2007, Earth Hour has inspired global initiatives for the protection of nature, climate, and the environment, helping drive awareness, action and policy change.
Highlights of the movement include helping in the creation of a 3.4 million hectare protected marine area in Argentina, a 2,700-hectare Earth Hour forest in Uganda, pushing for a ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam products in the Ecuadorian capital, and initiating the planting of 20,000 mangrove seedlings in 13 cities in Indonesia. -NST
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