5 March 2025 | 09:55 SAST
2-minute read

Image: Earth Hour

The Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) has urged individuals, businesses, and organisations to participate in Earth Hour 2025, a global movement aimed at raising awareness about environmental conservation. Scheduled for March 22 at 8:30 p.m. (SAST), the annual initiative encourages people to dedicate at least 60 minutes to actions that benefit the planet.

Originally launched in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, Earth Hour began as a symbolic switch-off event, where individuals turned off their lights for an hour to highlight the urgent need for climate action. Over time, the campaign has evolved beyond switching off lights to focus on broader environmental awareness and action. According to Andrea Weiss, Media Manager for WWF South Africa, Earth Hour now emphasises connecting with nature and taking meaningful steps to protect the environment.

People can spend their 60 minutes in various ways, whether it’s planting trees, cleaning up litter, hosting a zero-waste event, or simply taking a walk in nature without digital distractions, says Weiss.

“It’s things as simple as maybe having a tree planting event, something called clogging, where you go for a run and you collect rubbish at the same time, maybe having a brown bag lunch, where you talk about, you know, issues that are relevant, an outdoor yoga session, a zero waste event, anything like that,” said Weiss.

The aim of the initiative is to encourage individuals to reconnect with the environment and acknowledge our role in its preservation.

WWF has invited South Africans to log their commitments on its website, where the collective efforts will be tallied and reported internationally. In 2024, South Africa ranked among the top 10 countries in terms of Earth Hour participation.

To inspire engagement, the organisation suggests creative activities such as ‘plogging’—jogging while picking up litter—outdoor yoga sessions, and educational discussions on sustainability. Schools, workplaces, and community groups are encouraged to join by hosting unique events to mark the occasion.

Beyond Earth Hour, WWF continues its year-round efforts in conservation. The organisation focuses on protecting South Africa’s strategic water source areas, expanding protected lands, promoting sustainable agriculture, and tackling plastic pollution through circular economy initiatives.

As Earth Hour approaches, WWF emphasises that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility.

For more information on how to participate, visit WWF South Africa’s website and join the movement for a healthier planet.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Junaid Kharsany.