Message from Athens Mayor

For us to succeed in the battle against climate change, we cannot simply make hopeful declarations but incorporate the environment as a fundamental component of our policy choices.

For this reason, the City of Athens is participating in an international awareness-raising effort concerning climate change and energy efficiency, which has both a symbolic and substantive character. More specifically, on Saturday, March 28, at 20:30, the City of Athens will play a leading part in the international "Earth Hour" initiative by switching off the lights on Lycabettus Hill, at Athens City Hall on Kotzia Square and in tens of municipal buildings throughout the city.

On the occasion of the specific initiative and aware of your sense of responsibility when it comes to environmental issues, I would like to invite you to participate in this effort, so that our city, the City of Athens, can convey the message that together, all of us can ensure a more sustainable future for the city, our planet.

What is "Earth Hour"? 

Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia, in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour in an effort to raise awareness of climate change. Just one year later, the message grew into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people in 35 countries switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and Rome's Colosseum all stood in darkness for one hour, transformed into symbols of hope for a problem which is intensifying by the hour.

This year, on Saturday, March 28, at 20:30, people around the world are being called on to switch of their lights for one hour - "Earth Hour". The goal is to secure the participation of 1 billion people in 1,000 cities and for all of us together to demonstrate that we can take action against global warming.

Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you're from, but instead, what planet you're from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

"Earth Hour 2009" is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to take action, assume our responsibilities and actively participate in initiatives for a sustainable future.

Renowned locations, monuments and buildings throughout the world will stand in darkness once again this year. People throughout the world will switch off their lights and bond for one hour in support of the future of our precious planet.

More than 64 countries are taking part in "Earth Hour 2009". This number is increasing on a daily basis, as people understand that such a simple act as switching off their lights can make such a great contribution to the onset of change.

"Earth Hour" is a message of hope and action.

"Earth Hour" is being held in Athens under the aegis of the City of Athens.

Contribute to this awareness-raising effort by signing up for participation here