Earth Hour, when people across the world are asked to turn off their lights for an hour, falls on March 19 this year between 8.30pm and 9.30pm.

A truly global movement that has inspired millions of people in over 170 countries, it started in Australia in 2007.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), which organises Earth Hour, uses the occasion to highlight climate change.

The fund is also inviting people to post eco-friendly pledges on its website under one of four categories: food, energy, water or waste.

“Collective action is effective and inspiring. The switch off of light  is a simple act which symbolises unity and a common desire for change. We call on all South Africans to take part,” says Morné du Plessis, CEO of WWF South Africa.

Find out more at www.earthhour.org.za.