The global hour of darkness will take place on all seven continents, with all G20 countries, thousands of cities, and iconic landmarks set to join with hundreds of millions of people across the world to celebrate action to protect our environment.

Communities in places as far apart as South Africa, Brazil, India, Canada, South Korea and Russia will switch off at 8.30pm on Saturday. Australia’s Antarctic base at Davis Station will also be joining in.

Many countries will be participating for the first time, including: Jamaica, Iran, Uganda, Swaziland, Tajikistan, Chad, Azerbaijan, Gibraltar, Palestine, Suriname, Uzbekistan, Trinidad & Tobago and Lesotho.

“Australians are incredibly proud that an idea which began here in Australia has now been embraced right across the world,” said WWF-Australia CEO Dermot O’Gorman.

Mr O’Gorman said that Earth Hour had shown that one person can make a difference by joining with hundreds of millions of people in 130 countries to take action.

“Earth Hour has taken on new meaning and importance since it was started five years ago. It is about so much more than one hour of darkness, it is about a lifetime of sustainability.

“This year, we need everyone to go beyond the hour.”

For the first time WWF-Australia is showcasing some of the best ideas from around the country on how to live more sustainably with the WWF Earth Hour Awards.

Members of the public can sign up for Earth Hour 2011and also see these inspiring stories at www.earthhour.org.au to vote for their favourite. The winners in each category will be announced at an event in Sydney to mark Earth Hour.

In 2010 hundreds of millions of people across the world, in 4,616 cities, in 128 countries and territories took part in Earth Hour, but switching off the lights was only the beginning.

“Earth Hour is a chance for people and communities across the globe to join together with the common purpose of a sustainable future for our planet,” said Andy Ridley, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Earth Hour.

“This year Earth Hour asks people to commit to an action, big or small, for the coming year, taking Earth Hour beyond the hour.”

For more information, please contact:

Alex Blundell
Media Officer, WWF-Australia
M: 0415 839 507
E: ablundell@wwf.org.au

Sylvia Geaitani
Senior Account Manager, Access PR
M: 0414 755 162
E: sylvia@accesspr.com.au