Earth Hour saw lights off at NZ landmarks, Vatican

The lights were turned off for 60 minutes at 8.30pm at landmarks such as Auckland’s Sky Tower and Parliament Buildings in Wellington. Among the sites throughout the world that did likewise were St Peter’s Square in Rome and the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This annual event invites individuals, businesses and governments to switch off their lights for 60 minutes as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about climate change and the urgent need to protect the environment.

Turning off the lights at St Peter’s Square reflected the Catholic Church’s commitment to sustainability. The Vatican blackout drew attention to Pope Francis’ call for an “integral ecology”, blending environmental care with social justice.

The Earth Hour initiative began in 2007 in Australia, and has seen entire streets, buildings, landmarks and city skylines go dark. Supporters are also invited to “give an hour for Earth” by spending 60 minutes doing something positive for the planet.

Earth Hour is part of the Worldwide Fund For Nature’s annual campaign to draw attention to the effects of climate change. WWF International director general Kirsten Schuijt said Earth Hour was a reminder of the urgency to act.

“The stakes have never been higher. The past year was the hottest on record – capping off the hottest decade, with the hottest seas ever recorded. We’ve witnessed historic wildfires, storms and droughts as well,” she said.

“Our world is in peril, and we are rapidly approaching dangerous climate tipping points beyond which key ecosystems may never be able to recover.”

FULL STORY

Lights go out in New Zealand as worldwide Earth Hour begins | The Star (The Star)

Earth Hour | WWF-New Zealand (WWF NZ)

Lights go out on famous monuments (Euro News)

Global lights out event mobilises millions (Mixvale)