Earth Hour 2011

Earth Hour, 26 March from 20:30 – 21:30, is the largest mass participation environmental event in the world. Every year, WWF encourages people all over the world to turn off their lights for one hour in a symbolic gesture to pledge their commitment to combating climate change

This year is especially important for South Africa as we will host the crucial COP17 climate change conference in Durban in December and will once again be in the global spotlight. This annual conference is where world leaders meet to assess progress in dealing with climate change and negotiate obligations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The significance is huge: South Africa will play host to a point in history at which humanity has the opportunity to prevent runaway climate change. We encourage everyone in South Africa to take a stand against climate change as it affects all of us, our country and our planet.

This year, Earth Hour is asking everyone to ‘go beyond the hour’ and commit to an on-going personal action to benefit the environment. With COP17 on the horizon, it is especially important for people in South Africa to make their voices heard and to go beyond the hour.

• Sign up for Earth Hour at WWF South Africa.