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The largest global environmental movement Earth Hour returns for its 18th edition with the Biggest Hour for Earth as it unites millions around the world in celebration of our planet
Nairobi and Yaoundé, 12 March 2024 – On 23rd March, African countries will join over 190 countries in giving the Biggest Hour for Earth, as part of WWF’s efforts to turn a single Hour into thousands and millions of hours of action and awareness to shine a global spotlight on the twin perils of nature loss and climate change. The continent’s rich biodiversity is increasingly under threat due to habitat degradation, deforestation, and other forms of nature loss. The resulting loss of biodiversity not only diminishes the resilience of African ecosystems but also poses direct threats to human livelihoods, as communities rely heavily on nature for resources. Africa remains the continent with the highest vulnerability to climate change, with high fragility and low adaptive capacity. The effects of climate change are expected to affect the health, infrastructure, and other economic activities with agriculture being one of the most impacted sectors in the continent
Daudi Sumba, WWF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa: “The prosperity of any society hinges on its ability to ensure food security, and Africa is no exception. The long-term functioning of food systems relies on natural capital – the natural resources and ecosystems that provide the inputs needed for food production, including fertile soils, water and a conducive climate. These resources are currently being depleted and degraded at an alarming rate, with significant impacts on biodiversity and climate change. We need to strengthen the interconnection between nature and climate change to not only foster emissions reductions but also strengthen climate resilience and the livelihoods of people. Earth Hour will serve as a powerful reminder on the importance of nature and our biodiversity, and the need to protect it, and how little time we have to do so.”
Supporters are encouraged to symbolically join in by 'Giving an hour for Earth,' dedicating 60 minutes to positive actions for our planet. In 2023, participants from 190 countries and territories contributed over 410,000 hours, including 83,000 hours from Africa alone, representing a remarkable 90% of the planet's regions, marking it as the most significant collective effort for Earth.
Martin Kabaluapa, WWF Regional Director for the Congo Basin: “ In a continent where the pursuit of economic development often appears to be at odds with environmental preservation, the Earth Hour movement becomes a vital channel to reach those who are not actively involved in the protection of our environment. It provides insights into simple everyday actions that contribute to the preservation of our planet. This reinforces Earth Hour's unique role in promoting hope, celebration, and an inspirational approach to conservation, climate action and sustainability. Africa's nature and biodiversity require our collective effort, and we need more individuals to unite during Earth Hour and dedicate 60 minutes to supporting and celebrating our diverse ecosystems.Protecting our planet is a shared responsibility and it demands collective action from every corner of society.”
Earth Hour is more than a moment; it's a movement that for the last 18 years has continued to inspire and mobilise people globally, reminding us of our collective responsibility to create a more hopeful and resilient future for our planet.
