Earth Hour 2020: All you might need to know

As the whole world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing nationwide lockdowns around the world, this year Earth Hour was observed virtually. Earth Hour is a path-breaking initiative that began in 2007 by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) encouraging people across the world to turn off their lights for an hour between 2030 to 2120 on the last Saturday of March every year in support of nature and Planet Earth.

WWF states that this year people across the globe can symbolically stand in solidarity in the comfort of their homes, by switching off all their lights during the Earth Hour. The motive of the whole initiative is to refrain from using non-essential lighting to save energy as a part of the organization’s environmental protection movement.

Earth Hour allows us an opportunity to consider nature while emphasizing the need to respect nature and work together to safeguard the environment and our planet. People around the world today are pondering on what steps they could take to protect the environment and make it a better and safer place for the future. 

As we face difficult times it is all the more important to reach out and connect with each other to inspire hope for the future. Here are some interesting activities people did this year as a part of this wonderful initiative:

1. Switch off during the Earth Hour:

Earth Hour is the biggest switch-off event in the world where millions of people get together for nature, people and the planet. People across the world switched off all the lights and all unnecessary electrical equipment in their homes. The point of this one-hour event was to reflect on the current climate crisis and think of what you and the community can do to protect the environment.  

2. Express your views on social media:

Influencers, celebrities and bloggers held holding several sessions, live performances and contests related to the Earth Hour throughout the day. People could follow and take part in some of the virtual events taking place across the globe. Some people opted to participate in a #DanceForThePlanet challenge for the dance enthusiasts. This activity allowed millions of people to interact and take part in several live steams that focused on the importance of environmental protection.

3. Take some well-deserved ‘Me’ time:

Take time for yourself! Switch off your lights and gadgets and take the much deserved time for yourself. Light a candle and consider what you can do to protect the earth and its environment. Listen to music or even listen to the earth hour special playlist.

4. Take part in Nature Quizzes:

People around the world participated in fun and interactive quizzes all about Planet Earth to test their knowledge regarding our forests, oceans, species and environment.

5. Try out some meditation:

Earth Hour saw people taking out time to destress and take time for their mental development. As they switch off all the lights, televisions, computers and cell phones, they indulged in a bit of yoga and meditation allowing allow them to relieve stress and tension emerging in a much happier state.

6. Share positive stories:

Keeping in mind the current situation, people can share positive, uplifting stories that can will enable you to smile and share your smile with the world.

Millions of people, businesses and major landmarks across the world participated in this years virtually from the comfort of their home. Travel companies like AlluringIndia Tour promoted the Earth hour  by taking up some of these activities and have reached out to their clients to find out how they spent Earth Hour 2020.