The European Parliament will once again mark "Earth Hour" by switching off lights in all its buildings for on Saturday 26 March from 20.30h to 21.30h. This initiative, which begun in Sydney in 2007, is a global environmental actions aimed to raise awareness of the need to take act on climate change.

In the occasion of the celebration of the Earth Hour, the President of the European Parliament, Jerzy  Buzek said highlighted the Earth is the most precious treasure hold by humanity, and it is therefore our responsibility to respect and protect the Earth and the environment. Switching off the lights for one hour is only one small step to take, but being mindful about it and taking the right measures every single day is already a big leap forward.

The Earth Hour is a global World Wildlife Fund (WWF) initiative to fight climate change. It started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. With this initiative, individuals, businesses, governments and communities will turn out their lights for one hour on Saturday March 26 from 20.30h to 21.30h to show their support.

In 2010, 128 countries and territories joined in Earth Hour. This year, over 130 countries and territories worldwide have said they will take part.