“Turn off the lights, and move the world towards a better future for all,” UN Secretary General António Guterres said in a message for the event.
The UN chief recalled that 2023 was the hottest in history, and this year’s celebration is a global demonstration of solidarity to follow a different path.
“On Earth Hour, millions of people around the world switch off the lights to shine a light on the plight of our planet; this year, I invite you to be one of them,” Mr. Guterres said. “The need is urgent.”
UN Headquarters switches off
The UN Secretariat will be in the dark from 8:30pm New York time on Saturday, when all the lights in the 40-storey on the East River will be turned off for 60 minutes.
“Our climate is collapsing,” Mr. Guterres said, and Earth Hour “demonstrates the power each of us has in the fight for our future”.
“Together, let’s turn off the lights and turn the world towards a brighter future for us all,” he said.
World Meteorological Day
The UN will also celebrate World Meteorological Day, marked annually on 23 March, under the theme At the frontline of climate action.
Led by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the date serves as a stark reminder that climate change is a real and undeniable threat to our entire civilization.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said weather and climate indicators are “off the charts”, but it’s not too late for humankind to live in harmony with nature.
Adopting a net zero approach with a transition to renewables “at the core level of decision making and action” is a must, she told UN News, calling for “every young person on Earth to engage”.
The UN agency also highlighted that weather and climate forecasts help in many ways, from increasing food production and getting closer to zero hunger to managing climate-sensitive diseases. In addition, early warning systems are key to helping reduce poverty by giving people the chance to prepare for and limit the impact of extreme weather conditions.
New ‘Weather Kids’ campaign
Leading up to the Day, WMO, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) launched the Weather Kids campaign, with broadcasters and online platforms around the world airing a different type of weather forecast.
Take a look at one young Weather Kid here.
UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said the campaign gives children a new platform to voice climate concerns.
“Without accelerated action, children born in the year 2020 could experience up to seven times more extreme weather events like scorching heatwaves during their lifetimes compared to their grandparents,” Mr. Steiner said. “This new Weather Kids campaign is part of our response to listen and act upon the growing concerns of young people across the world for their rights and their futures.”
United Nations
SDG 13
SDG 13: COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE
- Strengthen resilience and adaptation to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
- Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning
- Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaption, impact reduction and early warning
- Raise capacity for effective climate change-related planning and management in least developed countries
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the primary international, intergovernmental forum for negotiating the global response to climate change.
Lila Montgomery is a celebrated journalist who has a deep commitment to global affairs and humanitarian issues. Her extensive reporting on United Nations initiatives across the globe has brought critical stories to the forefront, stories that affect communities everywhere.
Turning off the lights during Earth Hour not only symbolizes our commitment to climate action but also signifies a collective effort towards a sustainable future. It’s crucial that we all participate and recognize the urgency of addressing the climate crisis. Let’s all come together to make a difference!
I believe that individuals can make a significant impact by participating in initiatives like Earth Hour. Turning off the lights is a simple yet powerful way to raise awareness about the urgent need for climate action. Let’s all join hands and contribute towards a brighter future for our planet!
Turning off the lights is a simple but impactful action we can all take to show our commitment to fighting climate change. Let’s join hands and make a difference together for a brighter future!
Is Earth Hour an effective way to raise awareness about climate change and inspire action, or are there more impactful initiatives we should be focusing on?
Earth Hour serves as a symbolic gesture to remind us of the urgent need for collective action in fighting climate change. While it may not be the sole solution, it plays a vital role in raising awareness and inspiring individuals to make a difference. Every small step towards energy conservation contributes to the larger goal of creating a sustainable future for generations to come.
Should we all participate in Earth Hour to make a stand for the climate?
Turning off the lights is a simple but powerful act that each one of us can do to contribute to a sustainable future for our planet. Let’s join hands and make a stand for the climate by participating in Earth Hour. The urgency of the situation cannot be understated, and it is essential that we all play our part in taking action against climate change. Together, we can make a difference.
Turning off the lights is a small yet impactful action that each of us can take to contribute to a brighter future for our planet. Let’s join hands on Earth Hour and collectively make a stand for climate action. Together, we have the power to make a difference.
Turning off the lights is a small but impactful gesture towards a sustainable future. We all need to come together and actively work towards combating climate change. Let’s join the global movement and make a difference for our planet!
Turning off the lights is a simple yet impactful way to contribute to a brighter future for our planet. Let’s join together and take a stand for the climate by participating in Earth Hour. The urgency of the situation requires immediate action from each and every one of us!
Turning off the lights is a simple yet impactful action that each of us can take to contribute to a greener future. Let’s join the movement and make a stand for the climate!
Do you think turning off the lights for one hour can truly make a significant impact on climate change?