An hour for change: Turn out the lights on March 29

A global movement is encouraging people all over the world to turn off their lights for just one hour. Earth Hour, put together by the global conservation organization World Wildlife Fund, asks that people flip their switches and unplug their home electronics Sat., March 29, from 8 to 9 p.m. local time.

Atlanta, Bangkok, Tel Aviv and Vancouver are among the many big cities across the globe that will be turning down the lights. Chicago's Sears Tower and Soldier Field and the Golden Gate and Bay bridges in San Francisco will also be dark during the hour observance.

Calabasas even became involved by advertising the event on the city's site. The city is also promoting Earth Hour on CTV, the government television channel.

"What makes Earth Hour a unique event is that it brings together governments, business and householders who all play a part in switching off the lights," said Andy Ridley, executive director for Earth Hour. "Working together, individual households alongside the world's most magnificent iconic landmarks can make an impact in the fight against climate change."

The idea for Earth Hour began last year in Sydney, Australia, where 2.2 million residents took part. Now that the effort has gone global, Earth Hour representatives are expecting more than 30 million people to take part.

"We are excited by the overwhelming public support Earth Hour is receiving around the world," Ridley said. "Earth Hour is all about people sharing responsibility for reducing greenhouse gas emissions."

- Joann Groff