Why in news?
On 28 March 2026, India joined the world in observing the 20th anniversary of Earth Hour. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and WWF‑India organised exhibitions and clean‑up activities in Gwalior, culminating in a symbolic hour‑long switch‑off of lights at 8:30 pm. Landmarks across the country dimmed their lighting to show solidarity with efforts to combat climate change.
Background
Earth Hour began in 2007 when the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) encouraged residents of Sydney to switch off non‑essential lights for one hour to draw attention to energy consumption and climate change. The idea quickly spread. Today more than 190 countries participate annually, making Earth Hour one of the world’s largest grassroots environmental movements. The campaign emphasises that the hour is a symbolic gesture – meaningful action must continue beyond those 60 minutes.
Activities in 2026
- Awareness campaigns: Exhibitions at The Scindia School, Gwalior and other venues educated students about Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and sustainable living.
- Community participation: Green Skill Development Programme students and volunteers organised clean‑ups, tree planting and energy‑saving drives across India.
- Lights‑off: Government buildings, heritage monuments and corporate offices switched off lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, demonstrating unity in addressing climate change.
Significance
The 20th anniversary highlighted the evolution of Earth Hour from a simple lights‑off campaign to a broader call for climate and nature action. In India the event dovetails with the government’s Mission LiFE, which promotes simple lifestyle changes such as energy conservation, waste reduction and sustainable transport. By engaging schools, businesses and citizens, Earth Hour fosters a sense of shared responsibility for protecting the planet.
