Our Planet

Earth Hour shines spotlight on nature loss and Covid-19

Earth Hour unites millions of people, businesses and leaders in switching off their lights from 8.30pm to 9.30pm to shine a spotlight on the need to address environmental crises

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 27 Mar 2021 9:00AM

MILLIONS of people around the world will switch off their lights at 8.30pm this Saturday (March 27), in conjunction with Earth Hour 2021.

This year’s celebration of Earth Hour comes ahead of key events where critical decisions will be taken by world leaders on issues such as nature, climate action and sustainable development.

These decisions will be crucial in defining our future as scientific evidence shows that nature’s destruction is linked to rising incidences of infectious disease outbreaks such as Covid-19.

WWF-Malaysia Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sophia Lim said Earth Hour 2021 will be observed and celebrated virtually to ensure public safety as Covid-19 restrictions continue in Malaysia. This is because the health and wellbeing of staff, supporters and communities are still WWF-Malaysia’s top priority.

WWF-Malaysia Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Sophia Lim calls upon Malaysians to protect nature. – Pic courtesy of WWF-Malaysia

Lim calls upon Malaysians to come together and speak up for nature, especially in light of well-documented links between nature loss and increased risk of pandemics.

“We recognise that it is a challenging period for everyone, with our livelihood and the economy adversely impacted by the pandemic. Now more than ever, this health crisis has shown that it is important for us to stand together and protect nature to secure our future.

“Earth Hour is more than just a symbolic annual event. It is a people-led global movement to safeguard this planet that we rely on. The hard work of preserving nature continues even after this event is over,” she explained.

WWF-Malaysia is organising its inaugural 10km Virtual Run for Nature from March 28 to April 15 so people can support Earth Hour from the comfort of their homes. Register at wwf.org.my by 11:59pm Saturday (March 27) to join the run. Proceeds will fund projects to protect nature, wildlife and forests. The public can also sign a pledge to safeguard nature.

Earth Hour 2021 will be celebrated by millions of people around the world on March 27. – Pic courtesy of WWF-Malaysia

Earth Hour, one of the largest global grassroots movements for the environment, annually unites millions of people, businesses and leaders in switching off their lights from 8.30pm to 9.30pm to shine a spotlight on the need to address nature loss and climate change.

Renowned public figures from across the globe will be supporting Earth Hour including United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Black Panther and Captain America actor John Kani, Modern Family actress Sofia Vergara and South Korean star Park Seo-Joon.

Many iconic landmarks including Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Tower, Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, the Colosseum in Rome, Rova of Antananarivo in Madagascar, UAP Old Mutual Tower in Nairobi, Sydney Opera House, Niagara Falls, Taipei 101 and Gardens by the Bay in Singapore will be switching off their lights in a symbolic gesture of support. – The Vibes, March 26, 2021