Take Up a New Habit to Save Our Planet!

WWF’s world-famous Earth Hour initiative is here again! Earth Hour 2023 falls on Saturday, 25 March, 8:30pm and continues to explore our theme of “Habits Protect Habitats”. This year we are focusing on wetlands and giving more context to the “habits” that will help create positive change. We will broadcast the lights-off ceremony starting at 7:45pm online, which will allow everyone to join us and witness the lights-off moment at 8:30pm. Please follow our Instagram and Facebook accounts for the latest event updates.

We want everyone to take part by pledging to change the way we live – that way, together, we can create sustainable, long-lasting habits that will help us save our irreplaceable wetlands for future generations. 

Wetlands are one of the most important nature-based solutions to many of today’s environmental problems: they act as natural sponges that absorb excessive rainfall during the typhoon season; they serve as an effective carbon sink – helping to build climate resilience for our city, region and planet; and they are home to an abundance of wildlife. 

2023 also marks the 40^th anniversary of Mai Po Nature Reserve. We will also be using Earth Hour to share our wealth of experience in active management for Mai Po’s precious wetlands, and highlight the long-term importance of wetland conservation. With the government putting forward the Northern Metropolis plan, we believe that Mai Po can serve as a perfect example for sustainable development in Deep Bay wetlands, demonstrating how protecting these super habitats leads to a host of benefits for nature and people. 

As has been the case since the first Earth Hour in 2007, the “light switch” is just the beginning. To save wetlands – and nature in general – much more needs to be done beyond turning off our lights for an hour. 

An easy way for everyone to start is by changing our lifestyle and living habits. Remember that since everything we need and use is derived from nature – clothing, food, living, transportation, and so much more – then every choice we make in our daily lives therefore affects the natural world. This means that if more people make their habits more sustainable, we can create more positive impacts on nature. 

WWF believes everyone can play a part in safeguarding nature, and we put this belief into action. Just look at some of WWF’s Earth Hour partnerships – we join hands with corporates, organisations, community groups, schools, and individuals to create positive impacts for our planet. So on top of trying some new green daily habits, we also encourage everyone to donate and support our conservation work.  

Let’s all change our habits to protect habitats!