As Earth Hour marks its 20th year on March 28, the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF-PH) is urging Filipinos to move beyond the symbolic lights switch-off and adopt everyday habits that support environmental sustainability, as environmental challenges continue to intensify.

WWF-PH said this year’s campaign, themed “Switch on Habits for Earth,” highlights that real impact happens not within the hour itself, but through consistent actions taken daily.

Lawyer Angela Consuelo Ibay, the national director for Earth Hour Philippines, said Earth Hour has, for 20 years, underscored how one hour can mobilize people collectively for the planet.

“But the real work happens after the lights go back on. Protecting nature is a choice we make every day through the habits we built and the actions we take,” she said in a statement.

WWF-PH said the campaign underscores the need for sustained behavioral change in addressing growing environmental pressures, emphasizing that individual actions play a crucial role alongside broader conservation efforts.

This year, WWF-PH will lead the country’s Earth Hour celebration at Arco de Emperador in ArcoVia, Pasig City, marking the return of a large-scale in-person event that will bring together environmental advocates, youth groups, and the public.

The event will feature a series of community activities leading up to the symbolic switch-off at 8:30 p.m., in line with the global observance joined by millions across more than 190 countries and territories.

The organization said the Earth Hour Youth Fair will serve as one of the main highlights of this year’s celebration, with youth-led booths offering avenues for young people to engage in and contribute to environmental initiatives.

Earth Hour National Ambassador Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski underscored the crucial role of the youth in environmental protection, saying young people are key drivers of environmental action.

“Through these initiatives, we hope to inspire more people—especially the youth—to turn their passion for the planet into meaningful everyday actions,” she added.

WWF-PH said supporters may also participate in the Earth Hour Virtual Run, which will run from March 23 to April 30, encouraging individuals to stay active while supporting conservation efforts.

Since its launch in 2007, Earth Hour has grown into one of the world’s largest grassroots environmental movements, mobilizing millions of people worldwide.

WWF-PH reiterated that beyond the symbolic switch-off, sustained everyday action remains critical as environmental challenges continue to mount.