With Earth Hour, people, cities and companies around the world are calling for greater commitment to climate protection and are standing up for the fundamental democratic values of peaceful and colorful coexistence. On Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 8.30 p.m., they will switch off the lights for one hour to set an example. Well-known buildings will then once again be in symbolic darkness, including landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, Big Ben in London and the statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro. In Idar-Oberstein, the lights for the town hall, the train station, the Felsenkirche church and Oberstein Castle are switched off for Earth Hour.
Lord Mayor Frank Frühauf is calling on citizens to join in: "After another year of extremes, from new temperature records to floods, a year with many crises, conflicts and wars, Earth Hour 2024 is an important moment to demand more climate protection and to stand up for democracy." This year, for the first time, the 'Hour Bank' will be available on the WWF website (wwf.de). It counts up every single hour in which people actively support the common cause during Earth Hour - whether by taking part in a local campaign, switching off the lights at home or attending a training course on climate protection - the possibilities are endless.
The WWF is calling for Earth Hour for the 18th time this year. Earth Hour is now celebrated on every continent. In recent years, thousands of cities in 192 countries have taken part. In Germany alone, 579 cities and municipalities took part in 2023.