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Earth hour countdown

Starry night banner with tree, globe, knife and folk icons
Earth Hour green clock hands on stary night backdrop
© WWF-UK

What is Earth Hour and why is it so important?

Nature and climate go hand in hand. Together, they form our life‑support system - giving us clean air, fresh water, the food we eat and so much more. Yet both are under threat. Earth Hour is a global moment for us to come together, switch off and show support for our world. 

Every March, millions of people around the world join Earth Hour to show they care about the future of our planet. From iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the Sydney Opera House, to other iconic landmarks in cities across the globe, lights go out in a powerful display of global solidarity for our natural world.

This year, we’ll come together for the 20th Earth Hour, a milestone moment since the very first switch off in 2007. 

Earth Hour is more than just an hour - it’s a chance to connect with what matters most - nature and each other. 

10 facts about Earth Hour

Earth Hour on the night activities

Earth Hour isn’t just about turning off the lights – it's also a great time to mentally “switch off” and take a moment to relax and connect with nature. Whether on your own or with loved ones, we’ve got plenty of activities to help you celebrate Earth Hour with us! 

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    Switch off your lights

    This is where Earth Hour all began. Switch off your lights to show your support for the natural world. Take an hour to go dark – use the time to unwind alone or with loved ones. Want to make it even more meaningful? Go the extra step and truly ‘switch off’ by stepping away from your screens and putting your phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’.

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    Prepare a meal by candlelight  

    Embrace the charm and ambience of preparing a meal without using electricity. Gather your ingredients and whip up a delicious meal in the flickering glow of candlelight. This is a perfect time to set a slower pace and bond with loved ones

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    Switch off to the sounds of nature

    Get the ultimate chill-out experience during the hour by immersing yourself in the sounds of some incredible nature - because Earth hour is also an opportunity to reconnect with yourself as well as nature. Listen along while you journal, cook, meditate or practice a yoga session.

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    Tales by twilight

    Gather your family or friends and share nature-inspired stories by candlelight. Whether it’s stories from your favourite books or personal stories of memories past, storytelling is a great way to connect and have fun without using electricity. 

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    Become a walrus detective

    Help us from home by searching satellite images and spot walrus from space. You’ll contribute to vital conservation research and help us learn more about this incredible species. How many walrus can you spot in the hour? 

    Become a detective
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    Craft the hour away

    Choose a natural object from your home, or bring something in from outside ready for Earth hour. Get inspired, choose your tools and let your imagination take over. You could: 

    -Paint a picture of your favourite houseplant 

    -Sketch seashells, pinecones, flowers or fruits 

    -Sculpt forms inspired by nature’s shapes with clay 

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    Stargaze

    We may get lucky and have a clear sky for Earth Hour. If we do, take a moment to switch off and look up at the stars. See them sparkle in the night from your balcony, window or garden – maybe aspiring astronomers can spot something special in the patterns.  

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    A candlelit games night

    Turn off the screens and gather round for a fun-filled evening of board games by candlelight. Whether you're diving into a classic round of Monopoly or strategising in Settlers of Catan, the soft glow of candles adds a magical touch, turning your game night into a memorable experience for everyone.

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Take part in Earth hour your own way

If you can’t take part in Earth Hour at 8:30pm, you don’t have to miss out! Find inspiration on other ways you can take part and make Earth Hour work for you.

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    Park run the morning of Earth hour

    WWF and parkrun are coming together this Earth Hour, encouraging park runners to switch off and connect with nature at their local parkrun.  

    Find your local parkrun
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    Feel Good Forest Trails

    We teamed up with Forestry England to help you, and your family, get outside and discover the sights, sounds and scents of the forest. Each forest trail is packed with forest-themed activities that spark curiosity and encourage learning. 

    Find a trail near you and plan your trip to mark Earth Hour.  

    UK walking trails
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    Green changes all year round

    There are things we can all think about doing to help the planet a little bit more. You could make a swap to a greener energy company or even work out your environmental footprint. If you have a pension through your employer, make a plan to ask them whether it’s a pension scheme that invests in a sustainable future. If it’s not, consider asking them to change it, once you’ve researched your options.  

    Calculate your carbon footprint
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    Get your free nature wellbeing pack

    Connecting with nature is brilliant for our mental wellbeing. It can reduce stress and anxiety, lift our mood and help our minds rest. If you want to discover more ways to connect with nature beyond Earth Hour, download our free nature guide to start your daily dose of nature journey. You can also enjoy an exclusive 15% discount across our shop. 

    Download the guide

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Listen to our Spotify playlists

We have a selection of playlists that have been created in association with Music Declares Emergency for WWF's Earth Hour for you to listen to on the night.

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    The Maccabees

    For Earth Hour 2025, we've teamed up with Music Declares Emergency for an artist-curated NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET playlist. Curated by The Maccabees, it features Neil Young, Marvin Gaye, Joni Mitchell, and more. This Earth Hour light a candle, switch off your lights, and enjoy the music.

    Listen to the playlist
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    Guy Garvey (Elbow)

    For Earth Hour 2025, we've teamed up with Music Declares Emergency for an artist-curated NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET playlist. Curated by Guy Garvey, it features Nina Simone, Kurt Vile, Roberta Flack, and more. This Earth Hour light a candle, switch off your lights, and enjoy the music.

    Listen to the playlist
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    Dougie Poynter

    For Earth Hour 2025, we've teamed up with Music Declares Emergency for an artist-curated NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET playlist. Curated by Dougie Poynter from McFly it features Original Koffee, Hans Zimmer, John Williams & more. This Earth Hour light a candle, switch off your lights, and enjoy the music.

    Listen to the playlist
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    Hot Wax

    For Earth Hour 2025, we've teamed up with Music Declares Emergency for an artist-curated NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET playlist. Curated by How Wax it features Stereolab, Marvin Gaye, Blur & more. This Earth Hour light a candle, switch off your lights, and enjoy the music.

    Listen to the playlist
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    Iwan Rheon

    For Earth Hour 2025, we've teamed up with Music Declares Emergency for an artist-curated NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET playlist. Curated by Iwan Rheon, it features Eva Cassidy, The Beatles, Aled Rheon & more. This Earth Hour light a candle, switch off your lights, and enjoy the music.

    Listen to the playlist
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    Goat Girl

    For Earth Hour 2025, we've teamed up with Music Declares Emergency for an artist-curated NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET playlist. Curated by Goat Girl, it features John Cage, Anna B Savage, ANOHNI & more. This Earth Hour light a candle, switch off your lights, and enjoy the music.

    Listen to the playlist
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    Lou Hayter

    For Earth Hour 2025, we've teamed up with Music Declares Emergency for an artist-curated NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET playlist. Curated by Lou Hayter, it features Mort Garson, Talking Heads and Stevie Wonder. This Earth Hour light a candle, switch off your lights, and enjoy the music.

    Listen to the playlist
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    Katy J Pearson

    For Earth Hour 2025, we've teamed up with Music Declares Emergency for an artist-curated NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET playlist. Curated by Katy J Pearson, it features Okay Kaya, Beach House, Enya and more. This Earth Hour light a candle, switch off your lights, and enjoy the music.

    Listen to the playlist

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Useful Resources

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Show your support

If you would like to support WWF's Earth Hour and use our official WWF Earth Hour Supporter logo, please contact earthhour@wwf.org.uk

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