Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Earth Hour 2025, themed "Green Transition – Green Future", kicked off at Hoan Kiem Lake on March 22 morning, drawing thousands of residents, organisations, and businesses in a show of solidarity. This year’s event transformed into a community festival, fostering sustainable living practices and raising awareness of the importance of energy transition.
Vu Chi Mai, representing the GIZ Energy Support Programme (ESP), remarked, "This is our fourth year supporting Earth Hour in Vietnam. We aim to make energy efficiency a natural part of daily life and contribute to a green economy." Le Anh Thu, Vice Chairwoman of the Hoan Kiem district People's Committee, stressed the pressing need to combat climate change. She highlighted that the district successfully saved 15.4 million kWh of electricity in 2024 and is committed to reducing consumption by an additional 2.2% in 2025.
The event showcased engaging interactive activities, such as a solar-powered Hanoi balcony model and a cycling challenge where participants generated electricity to charge phones and illuminate the "I am for Net-Zero" LED board. Students from Hanoi’s universities invigorated the audience with a lively flashmob, inspiring environmental responsibility and collective action.
Pham The Dung, Deputy Head of the State Agency for Technology Innovation, emphasised that even the smallest actions contribute to the green transition, fostering sustainable development and enhancing national competitiveness. Tran Viet Nguyen from Vietnam Electricity urged the public to conserve energy, especially during peak summer months.
The event, organised by the Hanoi Department of Industry, the State Agency for Technology Innovation, and AT Media, was supported by GIZ and the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP). Nguyen Ngoc Thuy, National Coordinator of ETP, stated, "ETP is committed to supporting Vietnam in raising public awareness on green transition and sustainable development. The strong public engagement in Earth Hour each year demonstrates the power of collective action. ETP is currently leading a local campaign to raise awareness of the just energy transition among Vietnamese communities."
Earth Hour 2025 aims to unite participants in a global show of support for the environment. Millions around the world switched off their lights from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM local time to raise awareness about climate change and the need for action.
In the Philippines, various establishments including Greenhills Mall and Estancia participated in the Earth Hour campaign with community events. Greenhills Mall offered a sound bath healing and yoga session before the lights went out. The 7-Eleven chain, with over 4000 stores, participated by turning off their lights during Earth Hour while remaining operational.
In Metro Manila, iconic landmarks powered down in sync with Earth Hour's global movement, helping to signal a collective commitment to sustainable practices. Other spots, like Uptown Bonifacio and Venice Grand Canal, organized concerts and ceremonies to inspire community involvement. These local grassroots activities highlight the importance of individual contributions to a larger worldwide engagement aimed at protecting the planet.
Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia in 2007, initially as a symbolic act of reducing energy consumption. Over the years, it has evolved into a global environmental initiative celebrated in more than 190 countries. The ongoing theme for 2025 is "The Power of Nature," emphasizing the pressing need for natural resource conservation.
This pivotal occasion also falls on UN World Water Day, promoting WWF's #BeWaterWise initiatives, linking energy and water conservation as essential components in addressing climate change. Earth Hour, while lasting just one hour, fosters dialogue on sustainability, encouraging energy savings and participation in local events.
As Earth Hour 2025 concludes, participants are reminded that even small efforts can have a substantial impact. Activities such as switching off unnecessary lights, using social media to promote awareness, and engaging in sustainability practices can inspire change.
At the heart of Earth Hour’s philosophy is a belief in the power of collective action. By taking individual steps toward conservation, communities can drive significant environmental shifts. As Nguyen Ngoc Thuy articulated, the immense turnout at Earth Hour illustrates the potential behind concerted public efforts.
The event not only highlights the necessity of addressing climate change head-on, but it also serves as a vibrant reminder of our interdependence in safeguarding the planet for future generations. Year after year, Earth Hour embodies the spirit of hope and determination necessary for achieving a more sustainable future for all.