CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Starting as a symbolic lights out event in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour is now the world's largest grassroots movement for the environment. It has grown to engage more than 180 countries and territories worldwide.
On Saturday, skylines around the world will go dark as millions of people celebrate Earth Hour to show their commitment to protect the planet.
"As nature declines like never before, coupled with the ever-present challenge of climate change, Earth Hour 2019 will focus on raising awareness on why nature matters and inspiring global action on conserving nature," WWF wrote in a statement.
“Local action is key in the fight against climate change,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said in a statement. “Cook County has worked diligently to reduce energy use in County facilities because we know that our planet and its resources are vulnerable. We participate in Earth Hour to send the message that climate change and its effects on the environment must be heeded.”
The Cook County Department of Facilities Management, along with other buildings in and around Chicago, are joining the movement. The action will save energy and "send a message about the role local government and Cook County residents play in cutting harmful greenhouse gas emissions."
"In the past decade, Earth Hour has inspired millions to support and participate in critical climate and environmental initiatives, helping drive climate policy, awareness and action worldwide," WWF wrote in a statement. "Among its highlights, the movement helped create a 3.5 million hectare marine-protected area in Argentina and a 2,700-hectare Earth Hour forest in Uganda, ban all plastics in the Galapagos in 2014, plant 17 million trees in Kazakhstan, light up homes with solar power in India and the Philippines and push new legislation for the protection of seas and forests in Russia. Just last year, French Polynesia moved to protect 5 million square kilometres of its seas to preserve ocean ecosystems."
Everyone can take part in Earth Hour and help make a difference. More information may be found at www.earthhour.org.