The British public and businesses are being urged to turn their lights off or help wildlife for the upcoming 'Earth Hour'.

Landmarks like Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Opera House will go dark for an hour as part of the environmental grassroots movement.

In previous years, the Colosseum, Golden Gate Bridge, the Burj Khalifa, Times Square and Table Top Mountain have all turned out their lights in the climate action campaign. 

The World Wide Fund for Nature, which spearheads the movement every year, is calling on individuals, businesses and communities across the UK to take part.

News Shopper: The WWF spearheads the campaign every year. ( Getty Images)The WWF spearheads the campaign every year. ( Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)

When is Earth Hour in 2024?

Earth Hour take place on Saturday, March 23 2024.

The hour will be held from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm GMT this year.

How can I take part in Earth Hour?

The wildlife charity has made some suggestions to just some of the positive things for the planet that people can do instead of being plugged in.

The WWF recommended using the 60 minutes to either turn off their lights for one hour, sign a petition, share energy saving tips or support wildlife.

Kate Norgrove, executive director of advocacy and campaigns at WWF, said: “Our research shows that climate change is a concern for people across the UK – but there is hope.

“People are already taking action in their daily lives to tackle the climate and nature crisis, and when we work together, we can make a real difference.”

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“This is a big year for the UK and the planet. With an election imminent, there is clear public support for politicians and businesses to tackle climate change and restore nature.”

Ahead of this year's Earth Hour, more than 2,100 UK adults were surveyed on their opinions about the current state of climate action.

WWF's poll, conducted by YouGov, suggested that 70% of people think it is still possible to avoid the worst effects of climate change.

Meanwhile,76% think businesses and governments can have a large impact on tackling the crisis.

More than half of respondents (58%) highlighted the need for drastic action while just 12% think the current action is sufficient, it also found.

How to sign WWF's petition

The charity also recently launched a nationwide petition that urges political leaders to stop fuelling the destruction of nature.

The petition has so far attracted more than 21,000 signatures.

The “Stop the destruction of nature” petition can be found at: https://www.wwf.org.uk/act/stop-destruction-nature.

Ms Norgrove said: “Net zero is the economic opportunity of our generation – we urge all party leaders to step up their ambition and unlock a future of lower bills, future-proofed jobs and growth, and a 21st century economy powered by cheap, clean British energy.

“Quick and decisive action can help save our world – there is no time to lose.”

WWF has also said that last year saw the biggest Earth Hour since its launch in 2007.

More than 410,000 hours were given to the planet by supporters in 190 countries and territories.