Were you among the millions worldwide who commemorated Earth Hour 2025?
In a show of unity for the planet
Millions of people in over 118 countries and territories came together at 8:30 p.m. local time on March 22, 2025, for Earth Hour, marking a powerful demonstration of global unity and commitment to safeguarding the planet.
Under the auspices of the Earth Hour organisation and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Earth Hour 2025 saw unprecedented participation worldwide, with nearly three million hours dedicated to the environment. The event, which trended in over 31 countries, reinforced the message that collective action can make a meaningful difference in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation.
A global moment of unity for the planet
Earth Hour 2025 served as a poignant reminder of the dual environmental crises that continue to shape the world: climate change and the alarming decline of biodiversity. This past year was officially the hottest on record, marking the end of the hottest decade and witnessing unprecedented ocean temperatures.
With these unsettling facts at the forefront, the need for action has never been more pressing. In response to this growing crisis, participants from 118 countries and territories dedicated nearly three million hours to Earth Hour this year, demonstrating that individual and collective efforts are powerful tools for creating tangible change.
Watch the video here:
This year’s event served as a beacon of hope and inspiration, uniting individuals, communities, businesses, and institutions in their efforts to protect the planet. Across the globe, people engaged in various activities, many of which aligned with their passions and interests.
Some focused on reconnecting with nature; others worked on environmental restoration. At the same time, many individuals sought to raise awareness by educating themselves and inspiring others to support the planet. It was a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to the cause.
Notable figures lent their voices to the Earth Hour movement, amplifying the call for collective action. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres was among the high-profile supporters, as were members of the British Royal Family, Colombian model Ana Sofía Henao, Mexican actress Michelle Manterola, Pakistani adventure athlete Samar Khan, Bollywood actress Dia Mirza, South Korean actress Park Jin-hee, and the Japanese basketball team Nagoya Diamond Dolphins.
Their involvement underscored Earth Hour’s global nature and reminded the world that protecting the environment requires the support of people from all walks of life.
Landmarks across the world switch off in solidarity
A defining feature of Earth Hour is its symbolic “switch-off” moment, where landmarks worldwide turn off their lights in solidarity with the cause. This year, some of the most recognisable buildings and landmarks dimmed their lights in a shared act of environmental commitment.
Among these iconic sites were the Sydney Opera House, Shanghai Tower, Seoul Tower, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Burj Khalifa, the Colosseum, the Eiffel Tower, the London Eye, the Empire State Building, the United Nations Headquarters, Niagara Falls, and Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.
These landmarks, known worldwide, joined the call for a more sustainable future, serving as symbols of what can be achieved when people and institutions come together to protect the planet.
A growing movement for a sustainable future
António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, stressed the importance of this collective moment.
“Earth Hour is about solidarity, hope, and the power of collective action. Human-made climate calamity is here and now,” he said.
“We have just had the hottest year, decade, and sea on record. We have seen historic fires, storms, and droughts as a result. Moving away from polluting fossil fuels—the leading cause of this chaos—towards renewable power holds immense promise. It is healthier, cheaper, and more secure. So please, join us and use your power to push for a better world.”
Kirsten Schuijt, Director General of WWF International, also reflected on the event’s significance: “I am deeply moved by the incredible spirit of millions of people worldwide who have come together for Earth Hour. This movement is a testament to the power of collective action and the shared hope for a healthier planet.
“To everyone who gave an hour for Earth, thank you. Your actions, big and small, inspire us all. In times when the world feels increasingly divided, Earth Hour reminds us that we can unite for a common cause—something greater: our shared home, the planet. Together, we are positively impacting a more sustainable future.”
Looking ahead to Earth Hour 2026
Earth Hour continues to evolve yearly, inspiring millions to take tangible actions beyond the symbolic hour of switching off the lights. The event, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, will encourage even greater global participation.
Earth Hour organisers are hopeful that the momentum of this year’s event will inspire even more people to engage with the cause in the years to come, making each edition of Earth Hour a more significant and impactful celebration of global solidarity.
Earth Hour 2025 in action
While the symbolic switch-off moment captured the world’s attention, the broader Earth Hour movement was marked by diverse and impactful global activations. Each country and territory participating in Earth Hour 2025 brought unique efforts, driving localised change and engaging communities meaningfully.
In Cambodia, WWF partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF), the Fisheries Administration, and other conservation partners to support the Mekong Dolphin Swim. This 120km relay raised funds and awareness for the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. The team also engaged with local communities in Stung Treng and Kratie, documenting dolphin sightings and removing abandoned fishing nets.
WWF-Singapore held its flagship Earth Hour festival at Sentosa Sensoryscape, with interactive exhibits, workshops, and performances centred around sustainability. In conjunction with World Water Day, the festival focused on water conservation efforts and promoted hands-on activities like solar light assembly and sustainable food workshops.
In China, WWF launched one of the largest nationwide initiatives to promote sustainable living and sustainable cities. With support from celebrities like Lin Gengxin, more than three million people took concrete steps to reduce their carbon footprint across 160 urban centres.
WWF-India combined Earth Hour with World Water Day in India as part of the #BeWaterWise campaign. The campaign highlighted the importance of water conservation by featuring influencers like actor and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza and Chess Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand. Meanwhile, WWF-Germany’s Earth Hour choir performed at Brandenburg Gate, powered by cycling energy from the Wheel Divas, underscoring the importance of renewable energy and climate policy reform.
In Madagascar, WWF rallied youth, businesses, and policymakers to combat deforestation, while in Africa, local communities undertook initiatives focused on tree planting, wetland restoration, and waste management. Across the continent, tree-planting efforts in Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and the Republic of Congo helped restore ecosystems and protect vital water sources.
In Chile, WWF fused music with climate action through the Earth Beats: An Eternal Sound performance, while in Ecuador, WWF partnered with the National Football Federation to encourage football fans to reduce their use of single-use plastics in stadiums.
Earth Hour 2025 coincided with World Water Day in the United States. During this event, influencers and streamers led live sustainability challenges, climate talks, and fundraising initiatives, encouraging audiences to participate in water-saving actions and community clean-ups.
Hero image: Participants commemorate Earth Hour 2025 on Trivandrum Beach, Kerala, India, on March 22, 2025. Credit: WWF-India
