KUWAIT CITY, March 22: The Kuwait Society for Earth Sciences (KSES) has urged all citizens and residents to take part in the global initiative "Earth Hour" today, Saturday, March 22. This initiative, held under the slogan "Together towards the biggest hour for Earth," aims to raise awareness about climate change, environmental conservation, and the protection of the planet.

In a press statement released on Friday, Dr. Mubarak Al-Hajri, Chairman of the KSES, called on the people of Kuwait to turn off unnecessary lights and electrical appliances between 8:30 and 9:30 pm today. Participants are encouraged to light candles during this one-hour period, joining millions around the world in this global event.

Dr. Al-Hajri emphasized that Earth Hour seeks to highlight the dangers of excessive energy consumption, which contributes to climate change and global warming. The initiative also encourages positive actions to preserve the environment and ensure a sustainable future for the planet.

Earth Hour, organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), has seen participation from 180 countries and regions worldwide, including several Arab countries. Last year, more than 3.5 billion people took part in the event, and the global community is aiming to break this record by 2025.

The event is typically scheduled for the last Saturday of March each year, coinciding with the vernal equinox (when day and night are of equal length). This timing ensures that most cities around the world can participate during a similar time at night, as Earth Hour moves across time zones.

Al-Hajri also noted the growing impact of climate change, which is increasingly evident through extreme weather events, floods, wildfires, biodiversity loss, and land degradation. He emphasized that Earth Hour serves as a call to action for greater global participation, reflecting a heightened awareness and collective desire to address environmental challenges.

Launched in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, Earth Hour has grown to become one of the largest global initiatives dedicated to preserving the planet. The Kuwait Society for Earth Sciences is hopeful that this year’s participation will be stronger than ever, contributing to global efforts in combating climate change and protecting the Earth for future generations.