Emirates Nature-WWF mobilizes people and businesses across the UAE to raise their voices for the planet this Earth Hour 2020

On Saturday, 28 March at 8:30 p.m. local time, Earth Hour, one of the largest global grassroots movements for the environment, will bring people together around the world. In view of the ongoing health crisis as a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak, for the first time ever the UAE will celebrate Earth Hour online. The decision to go digital this year is in solidarity and support of the UAE community, so that everyone can safely celebrate Earth Hour. 

With global biodiversity declining at an unprecedented and alarming rate, up to one million species threatened with extinction and the planet on the brink of runaway global warming, it is ever more important to raise awareness that nature is the critical foundation of a healthy planet and an immediate, powerful and cost-effective solution to the climate crisis. Earth hour 2020 represents a golden opportunity for the UAE to join millions around the world in raising awareness around addressing nature loss, reversing environmental decline, and safeguarding all our futures. Whether in the workplace, home or community, it is vital to join the fight for our planet this Earth Hour. Every voice, conversation and action matters. 

People and businesses can be a part of shaping history by participating in exciting digital activities that make Earth Hour 2020 unique: virtual events will be hosted on social media - to find out how to join in the celebrations log on to www.earthhour.ae; the Voice for the Planet pledge allows people to add their own personal voice to protect the one planet we call home, and downloadable toolkits for businesses, individuals and youth provide inspiration and collaterals to raise awareness on the values of biodiversity and support climate-solutions in the UAE. 

“Nature is critical to life as we know it; it provides nourishing food, clean air, freshwater and so much more.  But just as we depend on nature for survival, nature depends on us. Earth Hour is our opportunity to stand in solidarity with people across the world and show we care about the future of our planet. Here in the UAE, everyone can speak up for nature by sharing their stories and pledges online and by making tangible changes at home, in our communities and places of work. We are excited and look forward to collaborating with all our stakeholders in an innovative way this Earth Hour – civil society, youth, government leaders and businesses who are leading by example and standing up for nature on Saturday, 28th March at 8.30pm”, said Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF. 

Starting as a symbolic lights-out event in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has grown to engage individuals, businesses and governments in over 7,000 cities and more than 180 countries and territories during the hour and beyond. In 2019 all 7 Emirates participated in the movement –3+ million people were reached, 20,000 promises were made for the planet and 500+ organizations across all sectors of the economy signed up to participate in the movement. Year on year it has been inspiring to see the numbers and the diversity of audiences taking part in celebrations for Earth Hour across the UAE – and even more impact is expected in 2020.

“The global rate of nature loss during the past 50 years is unprecedented in human history, threatening human lives and well-being,” said Marco Lambertini, Director General, WWF International. ‘’The services provided by nature are estimated to be worth US$125 trillion a year – double the world’s GDP - and without nature’s resources, the businesses and services we depend on will fail. Nature also benefits us by providing our food, water and clean air, and is one of our strongest allies against climate change. It is vital that we add our Voice for the Planet to press for a New Deal for Nature and People in 2020 for a sustainable future for all.”

Earth Hour 2020 will see millions of people around the world join in at events, and we invite them to sign their support online at Voice for the Planet to help secure a New Deal for Nature and People to address nature loss, reverse environmental decline, and safeguard our all our futures. 

Visit earthhour.ae to find out what is happening for Earth Hour locally and around the world. This is our time to secure a healthy, sustainable and fairer future for all.