Switching Off for Earth Hour

Every year, millions of people worldwide take part in Earth Hour, switching off lights for 60 minutes as a symbolic gesture to show their commitment to the planet. But what if this hour of reflection became the spark for a bigger change? Now that the days are growing longer, do we really need to leave the lights on as much, is the heating necessary? Can we spend more time outdoors, reconnecting with the environment instead of staying glued to our screens? These small decisions may seem insignificant, but collectively, they hold the power to make a real impact.

At its core, Earth Hour isn’t just about turning off the lights; it’s about recognising our relationship with the natural world and the role we play in either protecting or harming it. The reality is, we are facing urgent environmental challenges like deforestation, biodiversity loss, pollution, and a rapidly changing climate. But there’s a powerful solution at our fingertips that we must embrace, nature itself.

Nature is Our Strongest Ally Against Climate Change

Forests, wetlands, oceans, and grasslands do more than just provide a habitat for wildlife, they ‘re nature’s defence systems against climate change. Did you know that healthy forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, preventing it from contributing to global warming or that wetlands and mangroves act as natural flood barriers, reducing the impact of extreme weather or that oceans not only regulate our climate but also capture vast amounts of carbon, helping to keep our planet in balance!

Yet, we are continuously undermining these natural safeguards. Every year, millions of hectares of forest are destroyed, wetlands are drained, and natural spaces are turned into urban sprawl, eroding our planet’s ability to protect itself. If we want to fight climate change effectively, we need to work with nature, not against it. Protecting and restoring ecosystems, adopting sustainable land-use practices, and rewilding degraded areas are all part of the solution.

Small Actions, Big Impact

First thing to know is that you don’t need to be an environmental scientist to make a difference. Small changes in daily habits can add up to a massive collective impact.

Here are just a few ways we can all support nature and reduce our environmental footprint:

• Use Less Energy – Now that the evenings are brighter, let’s take advantage of natural daylight rather than relying on artificial lighting. Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances, and consider whether heating is still needed as temperatures rise.
• Reduce Screen Time – Instead of scrolling endlessly on phones or watching TV, why not spend more time outdoors? Whether it’s a walk in a local park, gardening, or simply enjoying fresh air, reducing screen time lowers energy use while improving well-being.
• Support Sustainable Products – Choose packaging and products that come from responsibly sourced materials. Look for FSC-certified paper and wood, and opt for reusable, compostable or recycled alternatives.
• Plant for the Planet – Even a small garden, balcony, or indoor plants can contribute to biodiversity. Planting trees, flowers, or even growing herbs at home can support local wildlife and improve air quality.
• Cut Down on Waste – Reduce single-use plastics, recycle properly, and compost food waste where possible. Every bit of waste that doesn’t end up in landfill or polluting ecosystems makes a difference.

Watch, Learn, and Get Inspired

For those who want to understand the bigger picture, there are some incredible documentaries that showcase nature’s role in fighting climate change. Kiss the Ground explores how regenerating soil can absorb carbon and heal the planet. The Biggest Little Farm [full movie linked below] is an inspiring look at how a barren piece of land was transformed into a thriving ecosystem. Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet dives into the critical limits we must not exceed to keep Earth habitable. Watching these films can deepen our understanding and encourage us to take action.

Earth Hour is just the start!

The challenge isn’t just to switch off for 60 minutes but to rethink our everyday choices. We can all do more, whether it’s making conscious energy-saving decisions at home, supporting conservation efforts, or simply spending more time appreciating and protecting nature.

If you’re looking for ways to get involved beyond the switch-off, visit the Earth Hour website to explore the issues and discover practical actions you can take. Whether it’s fighting deforestation, protecting oceans, or promoting sustainable living, there’s a role for everyone in creating a better future.

The planet gives us everything we need, and now it’s our turn to give something back. Let’s make Earth Hour a stepping stone towards a more mindful, sustainable way of living, not just for one night, but every day.