Earth Hour is an annual practice that aims at spreading awareness about saving electricity. The movement is organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and this year, it was observed on Saturday night, globally.

The event promotes turning off non-essential electric lights for one hour in homes, neighborhoods, and workplaces. It took place between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.

It began as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia, in 2007 and is a representation of dedication to the environment.

Russia Backs Off

Russia skipped Earth Hour this year. Due to Moscow’s identification of the WWF as a “foreign agent,” the Kremlin announced on that it will not observe the significant hour.

“This year we decided to refrain from taking part in this event. It is because they have become a foreign agent,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

Also Read: World Water Day: Accelerating Change To Solve Water Crisis

India Observed ‘Earth Hour’ like this

As part of the worldwide “Earth Hour” celebration, lights at public spaces and some temples were turned off. The same was witnessed in various Indian cities, including Mumbai, Kolkata, and the capital.

In the capital city of Delhi, lights at Rashtrapati Bhawan and also the famous Akshardham temple in the National Capital were turned off in support of nature and the planet.

Similar recordings have surfaced from Mumbai’s well-known Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. It was showing the lights being turned off for an hour to honour Earth Hour.

Howrah Bridge’s famed lights were also turned down in Kolkata due to the same reasons.

Speaking about the essence of Earth Hour, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-India spokesperson said, “This year, Earth Hour 2023 is asking individuals, communities, and businesses to join the biggest hour for Earth. By switching off and giving an hour by doing something positive for the planet. Anyone anywhere can join the biggest hour for Earth. While landmarks and homes across the country and world switch off all non-essential lights, we’re also asking individuals to ‘switch off’ in other ways. By providing 60 minutes from their daily schedule and engaging in any activity of their choice that helps celebrate our planet.”