Posted on March, 27 2025

Sydney Opera House was one of the world’s most famous landmarks to dim their lights in an act of environmental solidarity. ©ThinkMammoth

People around the world dedicated nearly three million hours of their time to environmental action, double the previous Earth Hour record. 

Millions came together for WWF’s Earth Hour on Saturday, 22 March, in an inspiring show of unity and commitment to our planet.

At 8:30 pm local time, individuals, communities and organizations in over 118 countries and territories joined the symbolic switch-off in support of the world’s largest grassroots environmental movement. 

As iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, the Christ the Redeemer statue, the Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Opera House, dimmed their lights, Earth Hour trended on social media in 31 countries.

People also committed a record-breaking three million hours of their time to action for the planet − whether reconnecting with nature, restoring the environment, learning about the planet or inspiring others to care for it.

Highlighting the nature and climate crises

2025’s Earth Hour served as a stark reminder of the twin crises of climate change and nature loss. 

While nature continues to disappear at an alarming rate, the data on climate change is also hugely concerning − with 2024 officially recorded as the hottest year on record, marking the end of the hottest decade and witnessing unprecedented ocean temperatures. 

 

"Human-made climate calamity is here and now,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. "Earth Hour is about solidarity, hope and the power of collective action."

Key public figures, including members of the British royal family, Bollywood actress Dia Mirza Rekh and South Korean actress Park Jinhee, also lent their voices to the cause, amplifying the message of collective responsibility. 



At Sentosa Sensoryscape in Singapore, thousands came together to explore hands-on solutions for a nature-positive, climate-resilient future. ©WWF-Singapore

Global highlights of Earth Hour 2025

• WWF-Cambodia organized the Mekong Dolphin Swim, raising awareness for the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.  
• WWF-Singapore hosted a sustainability festival at Sentosa Sensoryscape, focusing on water conservation.  
• WWF-China led nationwide sustainable living initiatives in over 160 urban centres.  
• WWF-India combined Earth Hour with World Water Day, launching the #BeWaterWise campaign.  
• WWF-Germany hosted the first Earth Hour choir in front of the Brandenburg Gate.
• WWF-Ecuador partnered with the national football federation to reduce single use plastics in stadiums.  
• WWF-US hosted live sustainability challenges.  
• Across Africa, communities engaged in tree-planting, wetlands restoration and waste management initiatives.  
• WWF-Chile merged music and climate action with an orchestral piece featuring the song of an extinct bird.  
• WWF-Madagascar rallied youth against deforestation. 

Looking ahead to Earth Hour 2026

Earth Hour will return on Saturday, 28 March 2026, continuing to inspire global action for a sustainable future.

Kirsten Schuijt, Director General of WWF International, said: "This movement is a testament to the power of collective action and the hope we share for a healthier planet.

“In times when the world feels increasingly divided, Earth Hour reminds us that we can unite for a common cause, something greater, our shared home, the planet.

"Together, we are making a positive impact toward a more sustainable future.”

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Earth Hour