Australians will join hundreds of millions of people and thousands of businesses, schools and landmarks around the world in support of stronger climate action by switching off their lights for Earth Hour at 8.30pm local time tonight, Saturday 26 March.
The Sydney-born event, which has grown into the world’s largest movement for the environment with supporters in over 190 countries and territories, will mark its 15-year anniversary in 2022.
Earth Hour 2022 aims to shine a light on the importance of thriving ecosystems, abundant with wildlife. Climate change is accelerating biodiversity loss and threatening the health of some of Australia’s most important and iconic ecosystems, like the Great Barrier Reef.
This year, Australia’s heralded singer-songwriter and competitive swimmer Cody Simpson is partnering with WWF-Australia to encourage Australians to take a stand for stronger action on climate change and biodiversity loss by signing up to earthhour.org.au.
Dermot O’Gorman, WWF-Australia’s CEO, said: “We’re seeing the heartbreaking impacts of climate change in Australia right now. It’s making extreme weather events like floods more frequent and unpredictable, and it’s threatening natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef with mass coral bleaching events.
“There’s never been a more critical time for us to come together to protect our planet and shape our future. That’s why we’re asking Australians to make the symbolic switch for Earth Hour to add their voice to the millions calling for greater action on climate change. Our communities, landscapes and wildlife populations cannot afford to wait any longer.”
Rallying celebrity support
Singer-songwriter, competitive swimmer and WWF-Australia Ambassador for Oceans, Cody Simpson, is joining the hundreds of millions of people switching off and standing up for greater action on climate change this year.
Simpson said: “Earth Hour reminds us that small actions add up – and can make a big difference. When we make changes in our own lives, talk about it and call for change, we inspire change around us. I look forward to switching off with the world this year.
“Damaging coral bleaching events will become more frequent on the Great Barrier Reef as the planet warms. The colours and vibrancy of our Reef are already deteriorating rapidly and plastic is littering our coastline and polluting our oceans. Australia’s oceans contain some of the richest, most diverse life on Earth and protection of these areas has never been more important.”
Simpson shows his support for the event for a second year, after being part of a live-streamed Earth Hour event in 2020. The event was streamed by over 20,000 people who viewed performances by talent including Montaigne, Jack River, Polish Club, Bobby Alu, Ella Haber, Dulcie and Alice Skye, alongside Simpson himself.
How to get involved
On the night of Earth Hour, Australians that switch off and sign up will be invited to join an exclusive virtual film festival hosted by WWF-Australia and Documentary Australia.
The Earth Hour Film Festival will include access to a number of acclaimed documentaries, focusing on climate change and the Great Barrier Reef, along with Regenerating Australia, a new short film from Regen Studios, directed by award-winning filmmaker, Damon Gameau (makers of 2040 and That Sugar Film).
Australians who sign up to switch off this year could also win a seven-day adventure for two to North Queensland with Intrepid Travel. To show your support this Earth Hour and join the millions of people around the world calling for greater action on climate change, visit earthhour.org.au
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