World landmarks switch off lights for Earth Hour

Composite photo of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament Credit: PA

Cities across the world switched off their lights to mark this year's 'Earth Hour' movement on Saturday.

In Europe, London's iconic Big Ben and Westminster Palace dimmer their lights as well as, Milan's Sforza Castle and Madrid's Almudena Cathedral.

The event is aimed at raising awareness of conservation. Earth Hour was launched in 2007 as a solo event in Sydney, Australia, with more than two million people involved.

Organisers said they wanted to demonstrate what people can do to reduce their carbon footprint and save energy, thereby drawing attention to the problems of climate change.

  • USA

Times Square before and during Earth Hour in New York:

Times Square during Earth Hour Credit: Reuters

  • UK

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament which went dark for an hour tonight as the UK took part in Earth Hour.

Big Ben lit up before. Credit: PA
Big Ben during Earth Hour Credit: PA

  • Germany

The UNESCO World Heritage Cologne Cathedral and the Hohenzollern railway bridge along the river Rhine:

Cologne Cathedral before. Credit: Reuters
Cologne Cathedral during Earth Hour. Credit: Reuters

  • Greece

The Acropolis before and during Earth Hour in Athens:

The Acropolis usually lit up. Credit: Reuters
The Acropolis during Earth Hour. Credit: Reuters

  • Russia

The Kremlin before and during Earth Hour in Moscow:

The Kremlin moments before Earth Hour Credit: Reuters
The Kremlin moments during Earth Hour Credit: Reuters

  • India

India Gate before and during Earth Hour in New Delhi:

India Gate before Earth Hour Credit: Reuters
India Gate during Earth Hour Credit: Reuters

  • China

The National Stadium, also known as the "Bird's Nest", reflected in a lake before and during Earth Hour at the Olympic Park in Beijing:

The Bird's Nest before Earth Hour Credit: Reuters
The Bird's Nest during Earth Hour Credit: Reuters