WWF’s Earth Hour

The countdown to WWF’s Earth Hour has well and truly begun, with a record 120 countries and territories taking part in what is set to be the greatest climate change event ever. Over 1,700 cities and towns across the globe will switch off lights at 8.30pm this Saturday – 27 March 2010 – to call for action on climate change.The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin is Germany’s flagship Earth Hour switch-off, joined by landmarks in Munich, Hamburg, Cologne.The Trevi Fountain in Rome and Jet d’Eau in Geneva will be joining the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Coliseum, Acropolis and the Parthenon in Greece as well as Malta’s beautiful Valetta Harbour in the switch-off.Football clubs Valencia and Real Madrid are participating, as is famed Spanish film director Pedro Almodóvar.

The Atomium – the space-age 1950s Brussels landmark – will join the impressive number of 243 Belgium cities and towns turning off for EH. All major cities in Austria, including Vienna, will participate for the first time. The most northern city in Norway is turning ‘down’ their lights rather than turning them ‘out’ – because of the polar bears! Among other landmarks going dark are Oslo Plaza and Postgirobygget, Norway’s tallest buildings.

The Bosphorous Bridge in Turkey, connecting Asia with Europe, will go dark for EH.The Pyramids and Sphinx, the Citadels in Oman and Cairo, plus the world’s tallest building in Dubai and the city of Casablanca, Morocco all joining in this year. The Blue House (residence of the President) takes South Korea’s involvement from 43 buildings in Seoul last year to more than 100 cities and towns this year.

The legendary Forbidden City in Beijing will head-up China’s participation.In Ecuador, Yolanda Kakabadse, President of WWF International, will attend the Earth Hour Event in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Mexico City and Cancun head up EH in Mexico with 11 states participating and major icons going dark including Angel of Independence and House of Government.In Brazil, both the Federal House of Representatives and the Federal Senate will participate, with lights on both Brasilia buildings being switched off.

The Chief Minister of Delhi will be joined by Bollywood superstar, and EH Ambassador, Abhishek Bachan at WWF’s event at The India Gate – India has seen a near doubling of official cities involved this year.In Tuvalu – one of the low-lying Pacific islands famously threatened by climate change – the government has asked that no vehicles should be on the road during EH.

Pakistan – the PM and President will be turning off their lights for EH.Brunei’s EH team have issued a song for Earth Hour – and briefed every school in the country on EH.Mei Lan, the EH panda ambassador from China, became our first animal Ambassador – the idea has been adopted by the EH team in Khulna, Bangladesh, where they have declared the ‘Bengal Tiger’ as their ambassador.

97% of federal government buildings in Australia will have the lights off for EH this year.31 state governors are supporting EH in the USA, where icons switching off include the Empire State Building, Las Vegas Strip, Golden Gate Bridge and Mount Rushmore.In Canada, one of our top performers in cities and towns this year, Toronto’s Earth Hour Festival will include buskers, musicians, artists and circus acts. You’lll also be able to make a wish to hang on the Earth Hour wishing trees.