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It's Lights Out for Earth Hour

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 28, 2009 10:44 AM CDT

(Newser) – Earth Hour is under way. The annual event in which cities around the world dim their lights for an hour at 8:30pm local time kicked off in Sydney, Australia, the Age reports. China's Bird's Nest stadium, London's Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, the Vatican, and the Empire State Building will be among the big landmarks taking part.

Earth Hour was born in Sydney in 2007, and despite the global recession—which organizers thought might sink the demonstration—it’s going stronger than ever, the AP reports. The communal atmosphere created is “incredibly important this year because there is so much despair around,” said Earth Hour's executive director.

This combo picture shows the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House illuminated by lights top, then seen with the lights turned off during Earth Hour.
This combo picture shows the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House illuminated by lights top, then seen with the lights turned off during Earth Hour.   (AP Photo)
Lights from office towers illuminate the city skyline in Sydney, Australia, during Earth Hour.
Lights from office towers illuminate the city skyline in Sydney, Australia, during Earth Hour.   (AP Photo)
People watch a free open air concert in Melbourne, Australia, during Earth Hour.
People watch a free open air concert in Melbourne, Australia, during Earth Hour.   (AP Photo)
Earth Hour in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Earth Hour in Jakarta, Indonesia.   (AP Photo)
Participants hold candles marking Earth Hour Russian city of Vladivostok.
Participants hold candles marking Earth Hour Russian city of Vladivostok.   (AP Photo)
An aerial view shows most of the building lights switched off to mark Eath Hour in New Delhi.
An aerial view shows most of the building lights switched off to mark Eath Hour in New Delhi.   (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe)
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