On March 22, 2025, more than 7,000 cities worldwide united to observe Earth Hour, a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about environmental protection and climate change. This year's campaign, under the theme "Green Transition - Green Future," reflected a collective commitment to sustainable practices.
In Vietnam, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has been leading the Earth Hour campaign for 15 consecutive years, encouraging citizens and organizations to participate. This year, the event took place from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, with citizens in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City turning off their lights to support the cause.
The participation rate was impressive, with millions joining across the country, demonstrating a growing public consciousness about environmental issues. It wasn't just in Vietnam; reports indicate that nearly 200 countries participated collectively, which included famous landmarks going dark in solidarity. The event highlighted the importance of energy conservation and environmental awareness.
Notably, the Earth Hour campaign mobilized over 7,000 cities globally to switch off lights for one hour, but it was much more than just a power-down moment. People were encouraged to engage in other positive actions for the planet during this time. With celebrations and activities designed to promote sustainability taking place all over, the campaign bred a sense of community and purpose. As one social media user aptly stated, "Earth Hour invites you to turn off the lights and do something positive for our planet for just one hour." This simple act carries tremendous significance.
As part of Earth Hour 2025, various initiatives took place within Vietnam to promote green practices. Many cities planned environmental activities, replacing traditional light sources with energy-efficient alternatives. “I, along with a lot of my friends, chose to 'live in darkness' for one hour to support the campaign,” mentioned a participant on social media.
Moreover, statistics revealed that Vietnam saved approximately 448,000 kWh of electricity during the Earth Hour, translating to an estimated 942.2 million VND (over $39,000 USD). This remarkable achievement underscores the collective effort of citizens contributing to a sustainable future.
Earth Hour, initiated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 2007, has grown into the world’s largest environmental movement, characterized by participation from over 190 countries and territories. It serves as a vital reminder that making environmentally conscious decisions is fundamental to combating climate change.
This year’s campaign also marked the 17th anniversary of Vietnam's involvement in Earth Hour. The message of “Green Transition - Green Future” calls for individuals to change their daily habits and engage in sustainable practices.
“Turning off unnecessary lights for just one hour is a small act but carries great significance. Every picture, every moment participating in this event reflects our commitment to a green future,” said another participant.
In addition to turning off lights, people engaged in tree planting, community cleanups, and educational activities about climate change awareness. The promotion of a green lifestyle became a central theme, encouraging citizens to opt for eco-friendly choices.
In a world facing increasing environmental challenges, events like Earth Hour show that collective actions, even if small, can lead to larger changes. “Thank you all for joining this journey. Today's small actions are the foundation for significant changes tomorrow,” shared another enthusiastic supporter.
The campaign emphasized that protecting our planet is not solely about a single hour of darkness, but about making conscious choices every day. “Every small action contributes to saving our planet,” remarked another participant.
In conclusion, the enthusiastic participation of millions during Earth Hour reflects a significant shift in public awareness regarding environmental issues. The event is a testament to the collective power of communities coming together for meaningful change and sustainability. As individuals and communities continue to champion earth-friendly practices, it highlights that every effort counts toward building a greener future.
