The biggest hour for Earth with Science World

Our planet is facing many urgent challenges that demand our attention. Climate change and the loss of biodiversity and nature need to be tackled to ensure a healthy, happy, and prosperous future for all.

But, sometimes it can be hard to know where to start making a difference.

Since 2007, Earth Hour has brought together people from around the world to switch off their lights and show collective support for Earth. It's an opportunity to join these global conversations and spend sixty minutes doing something – anything – positive for our planet.

Will you turn off your lights tomorrow at 830 pm and spend an hour for Earth? Our Climate Education Specialist Sarah Tulga shares some ideas about how to spend this time.

Learn more about climate change in BC

Listen to a few of Science World's podcasts with experts on climate change.

A few of my favourites include:

• Facing Climate Change Science with Adriana Laurent
• Forecasting Climate Change with Dr. Robert Way
• Innovating Climate Solutions with Ranah Chavoshi

Read a few articles about the fascinating biodiversity, nature, and places on Earth 

We recommend these Science World stories:

• An Ecologically Resilient Future Depends on Protecting BC’s Old-growth Forests
• Granola-stealing Monkeys and Butterfly-watching in Arizona: Chatting with Conservation Biologist Peter Soroye
• Living Under The Midnight Sun in The Arctic   

Explore Search: Sara Stern Gallery or the Ken Spencer Science Park

Discover the natural history of Earth and explore the many animals, plants, rocks, and fossils that exist in Search.

Immerse yourself in our pocket of nature and see how your choices can support healthy environments and communities in the Ken Spencer Science Park.

Reconnect with our planet

Take a walk in your nearest park, backyard, or patch of nature near you.

Need some inspiration to get outside? We dove into our archives and found some old Trails with Dale explorations!

Watch them explore the trees at Lighthouse Park or the plants and animals along the Beaver Lake Trail in Stanley Park. 

Listen to the sounds of nature and the world around you

If you want to make it even more hands-on, make a sound map of your backyard or nearby park.

Feeling like an overachiever? Add other senses to the map, too.

Investigate the biodiversity and nature around you  

Get outside and take photos of the nature around you.

If you join a community science project, like Project Noah or iNaturalist, you can upload your photos and even help contribute to active research.

Watch a nature video or documentary about sustainability

Some of our favourites which have been featured in our dome include:

• Wonders of the Arctic
• Dream Big: Engineering Our World
• Flight of the Butterflies

Reconnect with your relationship with the natural world and learn from others

Nature is not apart from us. It is a part of us.

Reflect on your relationship with your place and the natural world. Hear from four UBC experts as they share Indigenous knowledge and the importance of the technology of relationships to combat our climate emergency.

Inspire care for our planet

Share an enlightening article or video you watched with a friend or family member.

Let this Earth Hour be the spark that creates a movement. Even better, let us know too! We are always looking to learn more and hear what you are learning about too.

Invite your friends and family to watch the sunset ‘golden hour’ together

Golden hour typically happens 15-30 minutes after sunset, or for the early birds, 25-30 minutes before sunrise. This is a helpful sun calculator to help you plan!

Have a meal together using a sustainable recipe

Incorporating more plants reduces the carbon footprint of your plant. Using the entire ingredient when you are cooking reduces waste. Looking for sustainably sourced seafood and local ingredients are all great ways to make your recipe more sustainable.

Want to know more and you are a teen? Join us at SWEET: FOOD! a Science World Extravagant Evening for Teens.

Restore our planet

Volunteer with a local restoration-focused community group or organization

Help pull invasive species. Monitor BC’s marshes and do species counts. Participate in a community or shoreline clean up.

There are lots of folks getting the hands dirty making our natural spaces healthier. Join them!

Read what some of the experts recommended as high-impact actions

We pulled together some science-backed resolutions for a better BC. From eating plants to donating clothing, every action helps protect our planet.

Spend some time gardening this spring

Planting more plants, even if it is just a container on a balcony, helps support local biodiversity, lowers your carbon footprint, and makes our communities a little nicer, and healthier too.

Make a biodegradable seed pot to get your seeds and seedlings ready for the warmer weather.

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How will you spend your Earth Hour?

We'd love to hear your ideas for how to spend this time celebrating our amazing planet. Reach out.