The UN on Saturday evening switched off the lights at its headquarters complex in New York and other facilities around the world in observance of the 10th annual ‘Earth Hour’
The global event was meant to put the spotlight on the issues facing the planet and to inspire millions across the world to live in a more sustainable manner.
In a message, Secretary-General António Guterres, said: “Climate change continues to imperil lives and livelihoods around the world.
“Last year was – again – the hottest on record.
“The landmark Paris Agreement gives us an unprecedented opportunity to limit global temperature rise, promote clean energy for all and create a sustainable future.
“Governments and businesses must step up. So must individuals.
“Building a sustainable tomorrow depends today on everyone,” said the UN chief, asking the world to join him in turning off their lights today at 8:30 p.m. local time.
“From the darkness, we can create a sustainable and inclusive world for all,” he said.
Organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour encourages individuals, companies, organizations and Governments to switch off their lights for one hour at 8:30 p.m., local time worldwide.
This is to focus attention on people-driven solutions to protecting the planet and building a bright, sustainable future.
First launched in 2007 in Australia, Earth Hour has become an annual event, mobilizing hundreds of millions of individuals to participate in one of the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment.
According to the WWF, the UN family joined the thousands of homes, offices, skylines and monuments that would go dark on Earth Hour’s 10th anniversary.
The UN said hundreds of landmarks – from New York to Uganda and Sweden to Malaysia – would be turning off on the night of Earth Hour.
The global body said the landmarks included iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Taipei 101, the Empire State Building and the Acropolis.
To inspire more people to act, the 2017 Earth Hour movement also invited supporters to show their commitment to the cause on their social media timelines. (NAN)