At 8pm tomorrow night several major Australian cities will be plunged into darkness.
And as the night goes on, millions of people in 172 countries around the world will also turn their lights off at 8pm (local time).
But there is no need to be concerned – they’re just participating in this year’s Earth Hour.
The World Wildlife Fund started Earth Hour in 2007. They asked Australians to turn off their lights for one hour to raise awareness about the need to take action on climate change.
In the years that followed Earth Hour has become a global phenomenon and includes 60 iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, Big Ben and the Sydney Opera House.
There are lots of ways that you can get involved:
Candlelight dinner
You can use Earth Hour as a great excuse for a romantic candle light dinner for two. Get your food prep sorted early in the day so that you don’t have to stumble round the kitchen in the dark. Then at 8pm get the lights off and the candles lit – instant romance.
Tell ghost stories
If you have older kids then use the darkness to create a spooky atmosphere perfect for ghost story telling.
Invite your friends round for a game night
Just because you’re sitting in the dark doesn’t mean you have to be anti social. Invite a group of mates round and break into the board games. Then gather round the table with lanterns and torches.
Take an evening stroll
No need to stay in – if it’s a clear evening then Earth Hour is the perfect time to get out for an evening stroll. With all the city lights off the stars should look magnificent.
Have an early night
Of course, there is something else that we all like to do when the lights go down…. Sleep. If you’ve had a hectic week then why not head off to bed and bunker down for an early night.
