City to participate in Earth Hour - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

MADISON (WKOW) -- Madison will join hundreds of millions of people around the world Saturday, March 23 at 8:30 p.m., in turning off non-essential lights for one hour during Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is an innovative campaign to raise awareness of sustainability and the environmental challenges we all face, such as climate change.  It raises consciousness, empowering people to make a difference.

Sydney, Australia was the first to switch off in 2007.  In 2008, Earth Hour went global and 50 million people around the world took part.  Last year, 1.8 billion people in more than 7,000 cities and towns in 152 countries and territories participated.  

With businesses, governments and communities working together, this single act unites people across the globe by provoking discussion and committing to long-term actions that will benefit the planet.

"Madison has participated in Earth Hour in the past as Monona Terrace has gone dark," said Madison Mayor Paul Soglin. "While I understand that the City is unable to shut off street lights or traffic lights, I encourage residents to take a close look at surroundings and determine if an extra effort is possible for a one hour period on March 23rd."