Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned their lights off for one hour to make their stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the, Sydney Harbour Bridge, The CN Tower in Toronto, The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.
In March 2009, India along with hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative.
2010, Department of Environment, Government of NCT of Delhi and WWF-INDIA will celebrate Earth Hour 2010 on 27th March at the India Gate Lawns, New Delhi. Smt. Sheila Dixit, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Delhi will be the chief guest of the event. There would be performances by: ‘Shovana Narayan and Troupe’ and Band ‘Indian Ocean’. The Amateur Astronomers Association would be setting up four telescopes in the lawns of India Gate to spread awareness about Climate change and Importance of 'Night Sky and Light Pollution' during the Earth Hour. ‘Light pollution is not only ruining the night sky but it is also very dangerous for nocturnal animals’ would be the message of the public sky watch. We hope to see you there :)
