Thousands of British Columbians will join people around the world in turning off lights and powering down electronics as part of Earth Hour 2017, tonight between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

The British Columbia government will be demonstrating its ongoing support for climate action by joining the worldwide grassroots movement, most noticeably by turning off the Jubilee Lights at the Parliament Buildings in Victoria and the Lions Gate Bridge lights in Vancouver to celebrate the 11th annual Earth Hour. Where possible, more than 170 provincial government offices will power off non-essential lights and electronics.

鈥淲hile the one hour without lights is intended to be a symbolic act encouraging people to consider conservation throughout the year, the collective impact of this global action is significant. I encourage everyone to participate,鈥� said minister of environment Mary Polak.

Earth Hour is a global event encouraging people to conserve energy by flicking the off-switch on lights and electronics and joining millions worldwide to show their support for climate change action. Participants from six continents, over 170 countries and 24 time zones will be united as a global community through individual action.

The global event started in Sydney, Australia in 2007 by the World Wildlife Fund to raise awareness about the effects of climate change. Earth Hour has grown to engage more than 7,000 cities worldwide and continues to be recognized as a leader in uniting people all over the globe to combat climate change.

Earth Hour is scheduled 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., local time, around the globe because it is the closest hour to sunset in both hemispheres, allowing for the biggest visual impact of lights out everywhere.