In Azerbaijan, the "Earth Hour 2017" ecological campaign was held.

On March 25, a mass event against climate change was held in Baku within the framework of the international campaign “Earth Hour 2017.” The event was organized jointly by IDEA Public Union, the official coordinator of the “Earth Hour” international campaign in Azerbaijan, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, and the Azerbaijan office of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF Azerbaijan).

Participants of the action gathered in front of the Heydar Aliyev Center, one of the rare gems of world architecture, and observed the process of turning off the lights of large buildings located in the city center for one hour. Participants took part in the symbolic countdown, lighting the campaign’s emblematic “60+” sign with candles, and in a bicycle ride.

Within the framework of the “Earth Hour” campaign held under the slogan “Shine a light on climate action,” unusual dances by famous dance groups in accordance with the “Earth Hour” concept, fun Zumba master classes, continuous music throughout the event, and other surprises attracted the interest of young people.

“Earth Hour” is the largest environmental movement in the world, mobilizing millions of people to stop climate change. The “Earth Hour” campaign, which began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, as a lights-out action, was observed in 178 countries, 7,000 cities, and even on the International Space Station in 2016. During “Earth Hour” actions, the lights of famous buildings in major cities are turned off for one hour at 8:30 p.m. local time. With this symbolic gesture, participants draw public attention to the dangers caused by climate change and promote energy saving.

As the official coordinator of the international “Earth Hour 2017” campaign in Azerbaijan, IDEA Public Union expresses its gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Heydar Aliyev Center, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Baku City Executive Power, the “Icherisheher” State Historical-Architectural Reserve Department, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan, the Caspian Boulevard Department, Baku Olympic Stadium, Baku Crystal Hall, the National Gymnastics Arena, Gabala “ASAN Service” Center, ADA University, the “Flame Towers” complex, “Dalga Plaza,” Gilan Holding, and “Yeni Həyat Şirkətlər Qrupu” LLC for joining this year’s “Earth Hour” campaign held in our country.

Considering the seriousness of the climate change threat and the necessity of combating it for humanity, IDEA Public Union calls on everyone to contribute to solving this problem and to avoid wastefulness by saving energy.