On March 31st, 2007, Sydney, Australia went dark - on purpose. Earth Hour 2007 was a huge success in Sydney, and unified the city in the fight against global warming. Organizers estimated that 2.2 million people participated, as well as 2100 businesses including the landmark Sydney Opera House. Apparently “if the greenhouse reduction achieved during Earth Hour (2007) was sustained for a year, it would be equivalent to taking 48,616 cars off the road every year”. Amazing stats - can you imagine what can happen as it goes global?

This year, the entire world is taking part. Earth Hour 2008 is March 29th from 8-9:00 PM local time, and cities around the globe are participating, as communities or individually. Sign up at Earth Hour and you’ll get emails highlighting which cities are taking part, ideas for what to do when the lights go out, and information about climate change. Check out the Earth Hour cities list to see if your city is participating, or simply turn your lights out, tell your neighbors, and party in the dark! I asked my older daughter how we can support Earth Hour at home. Since Earth Hour is during my girl’s bedtime, we decided to have a ‘flashlight’ storytime. Our new favorite book, Whoo’s There, is a perfect flashlight entertainment companion. I even relented and am allowing cookies and milk for the special occasion!

Image courtesy of sarabcanada.  Note: Earth Hour homepage takes a little time to load - be patient, it’s worth it!