WATCH: The Eiffel Tower to Big Ben to Times Square. The world’s greatest landmarks go dark for Earth Hour
TORONTO – How will you be celebrating Earth Hour?
Between 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time Saturday, landmarks around the world will go dark in an effort to draw awareness to climate change and the effect of energy use on our planet.
The worldwide participants include international icons like the CN Tower, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House in Australia; the Tokyo Tower; the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa in Dubai; St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City; the Eiffel Tower; Buckingham Palace; the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, as well as the Empire State Building and Times Square in New York City. Niagara Falls will also go dark.
There has been an increased call to reduce light pollution after some research found negative health implications for humans. Animals are also at risk, with migrating and even reproductive habits being negatively impacted by so much artificial light.
READ MORE: Saving the night: Light pollution a serious concern for human health and wildlife
The first Earth Hour was held in Sydney, Australia, in 2007. Organizer WWF estimates that 2.2 million people in the city and 2,100 businesses participated. By 2008, 371 cities and towns in more than 35 countries participated.
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