One of the most recognizable environmental actions called "Earth Hour" will take place worldwide for the 10th time under the auspices of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) on March 25, 2017. 

The slogan of the event is "Change yourself, not the planet" and the theme is man's responsibility to nature. That is why "Earth Hour" is a symbol of respect for the nature. 

The event aims to draw attention to the problem of global warming and calls to be indifferent to the future of the planet. The Republic of Belarus takes an active part in this event.

 In 2016 "Earth Hour" took place not only in Minsk, but also in Vitebsk, Grodno, Brest, Gomel, Baranovichi, Pinsk and many others.  Administrative buildings and shopping malls illumination was turned off for an hour. And some concerts, lectures as well as a special bike ride and shadow plays were held.

The illumination of Independence and Pobediteley avenues, the lights of the National Library and lighting on Minsk shopping malls, universities and cafes were also turned off for an hour.

In total, more than 178 countries joined the campaign last year, the lighting was extinguished for more than 12,000 architectural objects and about 2 million public events were held.

How to take part in the "Earth Hour"?
1. Turn off the lights at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday March 25 at your home or office.
2. Tell all tenants premises about the Earth Hour so that they turn off the lights for an hour.
3. Turn off the lights , printers, monitors, computers, microwave ovens and coffee makers at the workplace. These are the few things that can be done to reduce harmful emissions right now.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus encourages everyone to participate in the event. Let the active participation will be an impetus to ensure that every person and the whole country become more responsible in their words and deeds to their planet. 

For reference:

the Earth Hour is a worldwide movement for the planet organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature. The event is held worldwide annually encouraging individuals, communities, households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. towards the end of March, as a symbol for their commitment to the planet. It was famously started as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia, in 2007. Since then, it has grown to engage more than 7000 cities and towns worldwide.