With continuing climate change and the loss of biodiversity threatening the planet, there is much to be done to help the environment. Tomorrow, March 24, 2018, everyone on Earth has been invited to participate in an event called Earth Hour i 8:30 local time. This annual event has taken place since 2007, the year of a symbolic lights out event in Sydney, Australia. What started as a simple lights out and candlelight event, the World Wildlife Fund has turned into a global event. Everyone can celebrate Earth Hour in their own way, whether it be by lighting candles and turning off all the lights in your home, or going stargazing with friends; the 60+ min of Earth Hour helps work toward bettering the environment. Senior Emily Rund plans to go stargazing with her family: “I want to help celebrate this event while spending time with my family and my dog. I’m excited to see who else participates.”

 This event has grown into the largest grassroots movement for the environment, with participation from millions of people across the globe. 2017 marked the ten year anniversary of Earth Hour, where they reached 187 countries and territories, over 12 million people, and getting over 12 million landmarks and monuments to turn their lights off. Earth Hour is looking to become even larger in 2018. The organization makes sure to thank its allies at the World Wildlife Fund, or WWF, as well as the millions of people who give them the strength to continue pushing for legislation and policies for a better Earth tomorrow.

 If you would like to get more involved with Earth Hour, the official earthhour.org website can help! You can help spread awareness through social media, or even inviting your friends to participate in this movement. Though there may not be any major events in the Triangle, you can find events in major cities around the country. Earth Hour is planning to live stream these events through social media, so you can get involved and show support no matter where you are. Also, on the website, make sure to check out the Earth Hour blog that contains articles about pressing environmental issues. You can also follow the #Connect2Earth movement where individuals share their stories of how they are participating in Earth Hour or how it has impacted them. Senior Sarah King said, “This event is not only spreading awareness of climate change and sustainable energy; it’s bringing people from all around the world together.” Another great website, Worldwildlife.org, can help give you tips, keep you informed, and help you connect to the Earth around you whenever you need.

 Though Earth Hour may be only a hour once a year, you can still participate in the movement for the other 364 days you have. By donating, showing your support, or even planting a seed, you can help make the environment a better place for tomorrow. Earth Hour is just one small way you can help that makes all the difference! Make sure to participate in Earth Hour tomorrow, March 24, from 8:30pm to 9:30pm local time. Turning off all the lights, lighting a candle, going stargazing, or even just sharing your thoughts on social media shows your support for the Earth and lets you participate in one of the largest global events.