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What is Earth Hour? Earth Hour is an annual event during which participants turn off lights and non-essential electronics in homes and business for one hour simultaneously around the world. The event is a symbolic “wave of darkness” that encircles the globe, encouraging hundreds of millions of people to participate in the largest single environmental event on the planet. In 2011, more than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide participated in Earth Hour. In addition, many members pledged to go “Beyond the Hour” in committing to help cultivate a more sustainable planet. During the 2012 event in Columbia, Water & Light estimated that we reduced our electric load by 2 megawatts – the equivalent of 80 homes going without electricity for an entire day.
When is Earth Hour? This year, Earth hour takes place in Columbia from 8:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23. There will be a kick-off event at City Hall, 701 E. Broadway, on Thursday, March 21, at noon. The Mayor’s proclamation will beread by Councilperson Barbara Hoppe, followed by announcements of Earth Hour events, and a tour of the green features in City Hall’s LEED Gold building.
Why should we care? Earth Hour represents everything that we can do to protect the future of our planet. In order to create a better future for our planet, we must work together toward the same goal.
Who started all of this? Earth Hour is organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). With almost 5 million supporters and a global network in over 100 countries/territories, WWF one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the Earth's natural environment and build a future where people live in harmony with nature.
How can you get involved? You can personally pledge to celebrate Earth Hour, as well as “Beyond the Hour”. If you own a business or run an organization, we would also love to hear how you plan on participating. Email to tell us a little bit about yourself and why you want to make a commitment to Earth Hour. We might feature your comments on this page!
To go “Beyond the Hour”, visit "I Will If You Will" to see all the challenges and create your own.
Columbia Tranist goes GREEN and offers free rides in honor of Earth Hour all day Thursday (March 21) and Saturday (March 23). You can find more information about routes and schedules to plan your Earth-friendly trip here.
Columbians care! During the 2012 celebration of Earth Hour, Columbia participated by dimming or turning off the lights around the city. City Hall and Jesse Hall were among the buildings that were dimmed.
For articles discussing past Earth Hour events, please visit the following links:
