It started in 2007 when the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Australia inspired 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses in Sydney to show their support for climate change action in the first ever Earth Hour event. 5 years later, Earth Hour has become an annual and global event.

It’s scheduled on the last Saturday of every March to closely coincide with the equinox to ensure most cities are in darkness as it is rolled out around the Earth. This year, Earth Hour will take place on March 31, 2012 from 8:30p.m. to 9:30p.m., at the participant’s local time.

From the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Empire State Building in New York City, the world’s tallest building the Burj Khalifa to the Leaning Tower in Pisa in Italy, the world’s most captivating icons will go dark for Earth Hour 2012. Earth Hour will also extend to the International Space Station for the first time, where astronaut and WWF ambassador Andre Kuipers will experience Earth Hour watching over the planet for the European Space Agency (ESA).

Last year’s Earth Hour was the biggest year in the campaign’s five year history. More than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide switched off their lights for Earth Hour 2011 alone, sending a powerful message for action on climate change. More importantly, members went Beyond the Hour to commit to lasting action for the planet.

For 2012, with the power of social networks behind the Earth Hour message, Earth Hour organizers are hoping to attract even more participation to build a truly global community committed to creating a more sustainable planet. In February, Earth Hour launched its 2012 campaign, “I Will If You Will”, with the intention of engaging its growing global community to go beyond the hour and coordinate their efforts publicly through social media.

So, don’t forget to turn off all non-essential lights this Saturday for an hour. It’s a small gesture to show your commitment to the environment.

Image Source: guardian.co.uk