People celebrating Earth Hour 2015 in the city of Cali.
IN PHOTO: People sit near candles during Earth Hour, after lights were turned off in the city of Cali March 28, 2015. Earth Hour, when everyone around the world is asked to turn off lights for an hour from 8.30 p.m. local time, is meant as a show of support for tougher action to confront climate change. REUTERS/Jaime Saldarriaga

Millions of people across the globe participated in the annual Earth Hour on March 28, which was organised by WWF. More than 170 countries and 7,000 cities joined the event this year, 2015.

Famous landmarks that are usually brightly illuminated have toned down their lighting to support Earth Hour. The glittering Empire State Building in New York gave off a “faint sparkle.” The Las Vegas strip and the entire Sin City’s spectacular night lights dimmed down, while the majestic Eiffel Tower turned its lights off as well.

"Over 170 countries and territories have already confirmed their participation; more than 1,200 landmarks and close to 40 UNESCO world heritage sites," Sudhanshu Sarronwala, Earth Hour head, told AFP just before the event.

In line with Earth Hour, WWF Australia gave focus on the different regions in the country that could experience the consequences brought about by climate change. The focus is directed toward supporting Australian farmers as fresh produce will be greatly affected by the global climate change. "Millions of Australians participated in Earth Hour, with a call for stronger action on climate change to protect our reef," said Earth Hour National Manager Anna Rose.

In other parts of the globe, Earth Hour was celebrated in creative ways. In the Philippines, a Zumba Party was held with participants wearing luminous apparel and accessories, while Finland joined by coordinating candlelit dinners.

At 8:30 pm local time, Earth Hour started with Samoa as the first to turn the lights off and Tahiti the last. The annual event encourages communities and businesses to turn off the lights for a good one hour. The goal of this event is not only to achieve energy savings but also foster awareness on the need to use sustainable energy.

Earth hour 2015 also highlighted the demand for positive actions to stop climate change. According to WWF, this year’s worldwide participation was by far the biggest.

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