Climate change is the issue of the day and is increasingly becoming a worrying phenomenon. We are witness to changes in climate and the environment, but we are all silent spectators of this change. However, nations are devising several initiatives to fight climate change and one such campaign is the Earth Hour. Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned their lights off for one hour to make their stand against climate change. A year later, this became a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating.

Earth Hour is observed by shutting electricity in a specific country or state for an hour in order to save electricity and also fight global warming. In March 2009, millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative.

This year, March 27, has been dedicated as the day to observe Earth Hour at 8.30 pm (local time) and is a global call to action to every individual, every business and every community throughout the world. This is a wake-up call for people to take responsibility and lead the way towards a sustainable future. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Europe to Asia to the Americas will stand in darkness for one hour. People across the world from all walks of life will turn off their lights and join together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.

Earth Hour is organised by WWF every year and this initiative will not only help people save electricity but also stop degradation of natural resources which are scarce. Earth Hour is just one such environment related people's initiative but this can be observed on a regular basis by conserving energy.

The government has also brought out campaigns and awareness programmes aimed at energy conservation. Simple tips for energy conservation can be undertaken by all individuals :

• switching off the lights when no one is using the room

• using compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL)

• turning off the TV when not in use

• utilising natural light by planning homes and offices better

• use electrical appliances with automatic temperature cut off options etc.

Join hand with millions of people worldwide including cricket legends, Bollywood stars and political figures. Famous Indians who have pledged for Earth hour include Abhishek Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar, Aamir Khan, Sheila Dikshit and Abhinav Bindra.

Participate in Earth Hour 2010 in as many ways as you can!

You can sign up here .

Download posters, logos, buy T-shirts, bookmarks and more and let everyone know about Earth Hour 2010. See here .

Read about some important conservation tips here and see what you can use in your life.

Join Earth Hour 2010 in your city! Switch off those lights for an hour on March 27^th.