environmental Protection
Earth Hour: One hour without light for the climate
Berlin takes part in the global “Earth Hour” campaign and turns off the lights at the Brandenburg Gate. photo
© Joerg Carstensen/dpa
The lights at numerous sights and other buildings around the world were switched off for an hour. In Germany, “Earth Hour” is not just about the meteorological climate.
The lights at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and numerous other sights around the world went out in the evening: During “Earth Hour” – the hour for the earth – they were no longer illuminated for 60 minutes. With this global campaign, the environmental protection organization WWF sets an example for more climate protection every year. This year in Germany it is also about politics Climate.
“The current zeitgeist is tense. Crises, conflicts and wars keep people very busy,” explained Viviane Raddatz, climate chief at WWF Germany, in advance. “This year we want to use Earth Hour as a moment for each other, for our earth and to show together: We stand for more climate protection, for mutual respect, for democracy.” It is also about opposing a shift to the right and the associated denial of climate catastrophes.
Lights out in several hundred cities in Germany
The lights were turned off in numerous cities around the world, not only at sights but also in numerous other buildings. According to WWF, several hundred cities in Germany wanted to take part in the campaign.
In addition to going without light for an hour, according to the WWF, everyone was able to support the climate even before the action: Since March 1st, the foundation has been counting up every single hour that people have been working for the climate or democracy in an “Hour Bank”. Various activities are available to choose from, including neighborhood cleaning, environmentally friendly cooking or laundry.
The WWF launched the global climate and environmental protection campaign in Australia in 2007 – as a sign that humanity must take better care of the earth. This year Earth Hour took place for the 18th time. According to the WWF, the hour for the earth is now being celebrated on all continents.