By 3 News online staff
New Zealand will be among the first in the world to celebrate Earth Hour tonight.
More than 150 countries and territories are participating in Earth Hours this year, which starts at 8:30pm local time everywhere.
In a statement the World Wildlife Fund has dubbed Earth Hour "the world's largest movement for the planet".
"When lights switch off for an hour at the Sky Tower, Auckland Museum and Parliament Buildings - these New Zealand landmarks will be leading a raft of global icons including the Eiffel Tower, Brandenburg Gate, Tower Bridge, Red Square and Empire State Building."
Selwyn residents in Canterbury will gather for a candle lit barn dance with an unplugged band performance.
Chairperson of Lincoln Envirotown, Dr Sue Jarvis says there is no doubt that climate change is happening and it is important for everyone to reduce their carbon emissions.
"For us, Earth Hour is a way of publicising this and it's also great fun, especially seeing all ages involved from pre-schoolers to people in their eighties."
WWF New Zealand's executive director Chris Howe says Earth Hour is much more than a "lights off event" as it brings communities together.
"[Earth Hour] is a symbol of our shared commitment to protect the planet. Its enduring success is that it inspires people to go beyond the hour and make changes to live more sustainably," says Mr Howe.
Find out more about Earth Hour here.
3 News
source: newshub archive
