It’s that time of the year when individuals, schools and large global businesses flick their light switches off for Earth Hour in an act of solidarity with all those who are committed to caring for our common home.

Sr Mary-Ann Casanova PhD, Project Officer – Josephite Explore-Embrace-Embody Laudato Si’ Action Plan, writes that, “from the perspective of mathematics, this is a puny gesture, equal to 1/8,760th of 2025 and comes without any real cost benefits”.

“This cascading wave of darkness is a reminder of the global imperative of mindful small-scale practices, and of the urgency of large-scale change through the adoption of sound policy, international laws, treaties and economic justice. The simple act of turning off the lights for one hour sends a powerful message to governments and corporations about the volume of public support for action and change.”

Sr Mary-Ann says the intent of Earth Hour stretches across the whole year and draws our attention to the year-round efforts of billions of people and countless organisations who work for sustainability and environmental conservation.

“Each darkened building, suburban street, CBD, shopping centre and township, combine to create the biggest hour of Earth,” she says.

“Earth Hour gives everyone the opportunity of being an armchair activist and to participate in the world’s biggest environmental action.”

Earth Hour , celebrated on March 22 this year, started in Sydney in 2007 and has since grown to become the world’s largest movement for the environment, with more than 190 countries and territories participating annually to raise awareness! For Earth Hour 2025, people across Australia will raise funds to combat climate change and biodiversity loss by taking part in Challenge 60!

You can register your intention to switch off your home, organisation or school on the Earth Hour website: www.earthhour.org.au/switch-off.

This article was published on the website of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart.