TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT
THE CONTEXT: World Earth Hour Day is celebrated annually on the last Saturday in March, initiated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as a global movement to raise awareness about environmental issues.
EXPLANATION:
- Earth Hour is the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF)’s annual initiative that began in 2007
- During Earth Hour, individuals and communities are encouraged to turn off non-essential lights for 60 minutes from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time.
- The primary objective of Earth Hour is to highlight the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability.
- By symbolically switching off lights, participants demonstrate their commitment to reducing energy consumption and combating climate change.
- Earth Hour serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the planet and inspire positive action towards a more sustainable future.
- Earth Hour aims to increase awareness and spark global conversations on protecting nature, tackling the climate crisis, and working together to shape a brighter future for humans.
18th Edition:
- The upcoming Earth Hour in 2024 marks the 18th edition of the event, themed as the ‘Biggest Hour for Earth.’
- It aims to mobilize a larger audience and promote greater engagement with environmental issues, particularly among individuals who may not be fully aware of the environmental crisis.
Role of WWF:
- The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) plays a crucial role in organizing and promoting Earth Hour globally.
- WWF India is actively involved in coordinating Earth Hour activities within the country, including the release of an Earth Day anthem composed by Shantanu Moitra and sung by Papon, urging people to conserve nature.
Celebrity Endorsements:
- Earth Hour receives support from various personalities and influencers, such as popular baker and cookbook author Shivesh Bhatia and renowned fashion designer Rahul Mishra.
- Their participation in turning off non-essential lights during Earth Hour helps amplify the message and encourage broader participation in the global environmental movement.
Global Participation:
- Earth Hour is observed in over 190 countries and territories worldwide, with millions of individuals and organizations participating each year.
- The event symbolizes unity and solidarity in addressing environmental challenges on a global scale.
Impact and Outreach:
- Earth Hour goes beyond a mere symbolic gesture; it serves as a catalyst for action and mobilizes communities to adopt sustainable practices beyond the designated hour.
- The event inspires individuals, businesses, and governments to commit to reducing carbon emissions, conserving energy, and protecting biodiversity.
Previous Observances in India:
- In previous years, Earth Hour was observed across various cities in India, including Mumbai, Kolkata, and New Delhi. Public places and landmarks, such as Rashtrapati Bhavan and Akshardham temple, participated by turning off lights for an hour.
- This collective action underscores India’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability.