UN chief appeals to world citizens to dim lights on Saturday to combat climate change

By turning off their lights for one hour tonight, people around the world can take a stand and inspire the action needed to tackle climate change, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said.

By turning off their lights for one hour tonight, people around the world can take a stand and inspire the action needed to tackle climate change, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today .

“Climate change is a concern for each of us,” the Secretary-General said in his message for “Earth Hour.”

“Solutions are within our grasp and are ready to be implemented by individuals, communities, businesses and governments around the globe.”

During Earth Hour, which is taking place today between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. local time in every time zone, the world will be asked to turn off their lights and will serve as both a “warning and a beacon of hope,” Mr. Ban noted.

The landmark United Nations Headquarters building will take part in Earth Hour – promoted by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – by dimming the lights this evening.

“As we watch the lights go out from continent to continent, let us reflect on the fragility and importance of our natural heritage and pledge to protect it for a sustainable future for all,” the Secretary-General said, noting that this year has been designated International Year of Biodiversity.

During last year's Earth Hour, hundreds of millions of people in more than 4,000 cities, towns and municipalities across 88 countries flipped off their light switches, and organizers hope that this year's event will reach more than one billion people around the globe in over 6,000 cities.