So, what plans for Earth Hour today?

It took about 2.2 million people and 2,000 businesses in Sydney turning the lights off, back in 2007, to give birth to the largest environment campaign — the Earth Hour. Today it witnesses over 128 countries join hands to fight climate change. For an hour today, between 8.30-9.30pm, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Toronto’s CN Tower, Rome’s Colosseum, among other iconic buildings, will be in dark for a cause. Organised by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Earth Hour’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment. And it all starts with the global switch-off event for working towards a better planet.

Actress Vidya Balan, who is advocating Earth Hour in India this year, says, “As the effects of climate change become more rampant, it is up to each one of us to take ownership of our collective future. Earth Hour is inspiring to see how a step as simple as switching off lights can unite the entire world towards a single cause.”

Amitabh Vardhan, CEO of a multiplex chain, says, “We’re switching off the other lights except the ones inside the halls where the movies are running.” Entrepreneur Gauri Pohoomul thinks the initiative create collective consciousness. “The timing is such that it’s after office hours and even if businesses run all day, they should switch off as many lights as possible in order to reduce energy conservation.”

Politico Shaina NC, whose own NGO works towards environment, is gung-ho about Earth Hour and says, “It’s all about doing your bit for the environment and encouraging others. I will switch off for an hour.” Will you?