Iconic landmarks and OOH displays to switch off for Earth Hour

An array of out-of-home (OOH) digital displays will switch off tomorrow (March 22^nd), to mark the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) Earth Hour.

As part of WWF’s global movement, which is now in its 19th year, thousands of businesses and millions of people are expected to switch off their lights for 60 minutes in a symbolic moment of ‘global unity’ for nature restoration, aiming to highlight the climate crisis and the need for urgent change.

Major outdoor locations joining the switch off include London landmarks such as the London Eye, the Tate museums, and Buckingham Palace.

Among the OOH displays joining the switch off at 8.30pm GMT on Saturday will be a range of major Ocean Outdoor estates in London. This includes the BFI IMAX in SouthBank, the iconic Piccadilly Lights, and screens across Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City.

Piccadilly Lights will broadcast a five-minute countdown to the switch off moment at 8.30pm before turning completely dark. The screens usually only turn off during moments of national mourning or war.

Those interested in taking part in Earth Hour have been encouraged to do so at home or in their communities. WWF has encouraged activities to do during the shutdown such as ‘tuning into nature’s soundtrack’ and meditating in nature.

Lisa Lee, executive director of brand, campaigns, and communications for WWF-UK, says: “Earth Hour is a moment for all of us to switch off from our busy lives, reflect, and reconnect with nature and the wellbeing benefits it provides.

“As landmarks, businesses, and individuals across the world turn off their lights, we can show our shared commitment to protecting the planet. This is also an opportunity to consider how we can take action as individuals and communities to restore nature and allow nature to restore us during Earth Hour and beyond.”