World switches off for Earth Hour

ON Saturday March 27 almost 100 iconic landmarks in 1000 cities and towns acround the world will switch off their lights for Earth Hour.

Earth Hour will reach new heights this year, with the world's three tallest buildings - the new Burj Khalifa in Dubai, CN Tower in Toronto and Taipei 101 in Taiwan - going dark for the global event.

The new additions to Earth Hour join Australian icons such as Melbourne's Luna Park, Brisbane's Story Bridge, The Australian War Memorial in Canberra and the Sydney Opera House, which switch off their lights in a decisive display of climate action.

Earth Hour co-founder and executive director Andy Ridley said the actions shown by cities and their inhabitants are crucial to leading a low-carbon resolution to climate change.

"By turning the lights off for Earth Hour, cities are reflecting the aspirations of their citizens as a community that has resolved to take action on global warming," he said.

WWF-Australia CEO Greg Bourne said millions of Australians took park in previous Earth Hours.

"It is a great way to show that you care about the plant," Mr Bourne said.

"We're hoping that communities large and small around Australia will once again join in this great event, and make a strong statement that they are both concerned about the state of our environment and committed to taking action."

For more information go to the official Earth Hour website.