Earth Day 2025: Are Earth Hour and Earth Day the Same? Know History, Importance, Facts, and More

Earth Day 2025: Earth Day, observed every year on April 22nd, brings together over a billion people in a collaborative effort to protect the earth from environmental concerns such as pollution and deforestation.The event began in 1970 as a national demonstration organized by a Wisconsin senator with the goal of raising awareness about environmental issues. The massive rallies in the United States resulted in the founding of the Environmental Protection Agency by the end of the year. Earth Day’s impact grew substantially, and by 1990, it was celebrated in over 140 nations around the world.

What is Earth Hour?

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) organises Earth Hour, a global environmental movement. Earth Hour is held every March and urges individuals, communities, and organizations to turn off non-essential electric lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. local time, to show their support for the environment.

Earth Hour History

The 2007 WWF-Australia campaign, Earth Hour, began in Sydney, Australia, when 2.2 million households and companies turned off their lights to protest climate change. Due to its enormous recognition and public support, the movement expanded globally in 2008, with over 35 countries taking part, including major cities such as Toronto, Chicago, and Copenhagen.

Difference Between Earth Hour and Earth Day

Earth Hour and Earth Day are global campaigns to raise environmental awareness and action. Earth Hour takes place annually in March by turning off all non-essential lights for one hour. Earth Day, observed on April 22nd, emphasizes a broader aspect of protecting the environment through activities such as clean-up drives, educational campaigns, and sustainability efforts. Earth Hour is an act of representation to raise awareness, whereas Earth Day promotes long-term environmental change.

Earth Hour Importance

Earth Hour, held annually on the last Saturday of March, urges individuals and communities to take action for a more sustainable future. The event acts as a reminder of our collective duty to conserve the environment while also inspiring individuals to take action. Earth Hour encourages individuals to act on important environmental concerns by raising awareness and promoting conversations. 

In 2025, Earth Hour was held on March 22nd, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM local time. The symbolic act of shutting off the lights for an hour emphasizes the importance of small efforts and the strength of collective action.