Earth Hour 2026: Hong Kong Unites to "Give an Hour for Earth"

WWF-Hong Kong
Our Guest of Honours officiate the Earth Hour Lights-off Ceremony at 8:30pm.
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WWF's Earth Hour 2026 reached its spectacular peak on 28 March 2026, as Hong Kong joined millions worldwide in a powerful stand for our planet. This year, the "Give an Hour for Earth" campaign invited the public to spend 60 minutes doing something — anything — positive for our planet. While this hour serves as a vital spark for collective action, we strongly advocate for everyone to go beyond those sixty minutes and embrace a sustainable lifestyle year-round. The response was overwhelming: thousands of citizens signed the Earth Hour pledge, and nearly 4,000 companies, organisations, and buildings switched off their lights, proving that small actions can lead to monumental change.

A Month of Discovery: The Journey to Earth Hour

The momentum for the campaign began early in March with a series of activities designed to foster a deeper connection with nature. At our Central Visitor Centre, the "Wildlife on the Edge" exhibition, held on 7–8 and 14–15 March, featured expert talks and education booths. A highlight was the "Ink x Conservation" painting workshops, where visitors captured the spirit of local endangered species through art, complemented by local art and craft booths.

From 14 March to 13 September, the "Give an Hour for the Dark" tours, in partnership with Dialogue in the Dark (HK) Foundation, offered a truly unique sensory experience. Guided by the voices of our Earth Hour Ambassadors Ian Chan and Kaho Hung, participants were led through a pitch-black environment to re-examine the details of their daily lives, using senses beyond sight to explore local biodiversity. Additionally, the HKBM Biodiversity Journey on 24 and 27 March, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Biodiversity Museum, allowed families to discover the incredible variety of life found within our city.

The Earth Hour Carnival: Action for a Sustainable Lifestyle

On 28 March, the courtyard of 1881 Heritage in Tsim Sha Tsui was transformed into the vibrant Earth Hour Carnival from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Under the mission "Action now to live sustainably," the festival invited the community to celebrate conservation through music, performances, and shared purpose. The carnival featured eco-friendly booths with practical tips to reduce everyday environmental footprints, while the "Wildlife on the Edge" exhibition held its final public display.

Main stage performances included the Children's Gala Performance, led by the beloved host Isaac Ng, where joyful singing was paired with eco-conscious messages. Later, Goodnight Lillie delivered an energetic rock/pop mini-concert, encouraging the audience to weave sustainable habits into everyday life. Families also delighted in meet-and-greets with Sesame Street's Elmo and Cookie Monster, alongside our beloved mascots, Lutra and Panda.

WWF-Hong Kong

Host Isaac Ng leads children in a joyful eco-themed choral performance at the Earth Hour Carnival, spreading conservation messages through song.

WWF-Hong Kong

Hong Kong band Goodnight Lillie energises the crowd at the Earth Hour Carnival, inspiring the audience to embrace sustainable living through the power of music.

WWF-Hong Kong
WWF-Hong Kong

Sesame Street's Elmo and Cookie Monster, alongside WWF's Lutra and Panda helped spread sustainability messages to visitors at the vibrant Earth Hour Carnival.

The Lights-off Ceremony: Artistry and Advocacy

The signature Lights-off Ceremony at 1881 Heritage opened with a spectacular LED hoop dance by hoop artist Grace, setting an electrifying tone for the evening. Hosted by emcee Kitty Yuen, the ceremony welcomed distinguished guests of honour alongside Mr Dan Bradshaw, our Chairman, and Ms Nicole Wong, our CEO. Officiating guests included Dr Lam Ching-choi, GBS, JP, Member of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development, and Mr Arthur Lee, JP, Commissioner for Climate Change of the Environment and Ecology Bureau.

In his welcome remarks, Mr Dan Bradshaw noted that The State of Hong Kong Biodiversity 2025 report reveals over 25% of local species are at risk of extinction, stressing that while the updated Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) provides a vital policy framework, the true test lies in its implementation over the next five years. Dr Lam Ching-choi called on the public to respond to the climate crisis with lasting behavioural change — living green, conserving energy, embracing sustainable consumption, cutting waste, and focusing more on recycling. Mr Arthur Lee highlighted the importance of the updated BSAP, outlining its four strategic areas — nature conservation, deepening mainstreaming, capacity building, and collaborative partnering — and underscored the establishment of the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park as a key initiative to advance conservation, ecological education, and sustainable aquaculture.

WWF-Hong Kong
WWF-Hong Kong

Ambassadors Ian Chan and Kaho Hung assist artist Mathew to highlight the conservation of the Eurasian Otter and Black-faced Spoonbill.

A major highlight was the live collaboration with papercut artist Mathew, who created intricate artworks featuring the Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) and the iconic Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor). Ambassadors Ian Chan and Kaho Hung assisted with the final artistic elements, symbolising our collective responsibility towards nature. As the countdown ended at 8:30 PM, iconic landmarks joined the lights-off initiative simultaneously — including the International Finance Centre (ifc), International Commerce Centre (ICC), Hong Kong Cultural Centre, and Tsing Ma Bridge — before the evening drew to a close with a soul-soothing performance by handpan musician Ah Chor.

The Start of a Year-Round Commitment

As the lights returned to the skyline, the message remained clear: Earth Hour is just the beginning. We remain dedicated to working with all stakeholders to promote a Nature Positive future. We thank everyone who joined us to give an hour for Earth, proving that when we go beyond the hour, we can ensure a thriving planet for generations to come.

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