Global icons join in monumental action for the planet

Diverse iconic landmarks join hundreds of millions of people across the planet to switch off for Earth Hour 2011 including: Gateway of India, the Alhambra, Christ the Redeemer, Tokyo Tower, Table Mountain and Taiwan’s 101 Financial Building

Earth Hour Global - Sydney, March 11th 2011:
Iconic landmarks across the planet are set to switch off in a synchronised display of support for environmental action.

Sydney Harbour Bridge will join landmarks as diverse as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Gateway of India in Mumbai, Berlin’s Brandenberg Gate, Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, the Obelisk in Argentina, and UNESCO World Heritage sites Denmark’s Kronborg Castle and the Alhambra in Spain, and Pakistan’s National Mausoleum, all standing in darkness for one hour, representative of the world’s largest voluntary action for the planet.

At precisely 8.30pm local time on Saturday 26 March, 2011, these iconic landmarks will join with hundreds of millions of people from community, business and government, all over the world to turn off their lights for Earth Hour, transcending barriers of race, religion, culture, society, generation and geography in a global celebration of their commitment to protect the one thing that unites us all – the planet

From Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal, to Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, Santa Maria del Mar Basilica in Spain, Ngoc Son Temple in Vietnam, Budapest Great Synagogue and the Helsinki Cathedral in Finland. From natural wonders Table Mountain in South Africa and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, to Taiwan’s 101 Financial Building, Japan’s Tokyo Tower, and China World Trade Centre Tower 3 (the tallest building in Beijing).

From the Taj Hotels in Mumbai and Delhi, London’s The Savoy and Royal Albert Hall, to the Presidential Palace in Peru, Thailand’s Royal Palace, the Presidential Palace in Honduras and the Royal Castle in Sweden, to the largest single housing estate in Nigeria, the Gwarimpa Housing Estate.

“These landmarks act as powerful symbols of what we can achieve when we unite for a common purpose; a visually spectacular reminder of what can be done when individuals, organisations and governments act together,” said Andy Ridley, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Earth Hour.

“These icons are representative of the diverse communities across the planet that come together for Earth Hour. By the simple act of switching off the lights, they become part of a celebration of what has been done, and a renewed commitment to take action for the planet beyond the hour.”

Australian cultural icon the Sydney Opera House will switch off for its fifth Earth Hour alongside the Hanoi Opera House in Vietnam, the Ankara Opera House in Turkey, and the Hong Kong’s Cultural Centre, which will go dark as Hong Kong’s Symphony of Lights - the world's largest permanent light and sound show - is suspended for a night.
The Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey that connects Asia and Europe will join with the 25 April Bridge in Portugal, Puente de la Mujer in Argentina, Liberty Bridge in Budapest, Hungary, and the UNESCO listed, reconstructed Old Bridge in Bosnia, in going dark.

These landmarks join icons that have switched off in previous years in support of Earth Hour, including: Beijing’s Olympic Stadium, The Sphinx and Pyramids of Giza, Beijing’s Forbidden City, Buckingham Palace, Mount Rushmore in the US, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

“Many landmarks commit to switching off the lights for Earth Hour after being approached by individuals or local organisations, asking them to join together with the global community for Earth Hour,” Ridley said. “Earth Hour continues to show that people have the power to make a difference.”

How to register your landmark: custodians and governing authorities of the world’s most iconic landmarks are encouraged to show leadership for the environment by pledging their support for Earth Hour 2010 at www.earthhour.org or by contacting (enter your country/ territory team’s details if applicable).

ENDS

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