Welcome to the Earth Hour global community!

Some of the most recognised names in the world are coming out in support of Earth Hour this year.

The head of Greenpeace gets even greener for Earth Hour

Kumi Naidoo, International Executive Director of Greenpeace has promised to dye his beard green during the Rio+20 conference in Brazil in June this year, but only if 10,000 people around the world agree to support Earth Hour. Naidoo suggests taking up recycling, or making informed decisions about what we consume.

“I want these 10,000 people to take individual action to work for a green, peaceful planet,” Naidoo says. “We need to act urgently to rescue this planet for our children and our grandchildren.”

Microsoft Sweden GM takes action on climate change

The General Manager of Microsoft in Sweden, Mr Per Adolfsson has promised to dress as a polar bear as part of his challenge for Earth Hour’s “I Will if You Will” campaign. Mr Adolfsson has told his 600-plus staff he will turn up to the Earth Hour coffee-break in a polar bear suit if they agree to switch off.

“Personally I like polar bears, so agreeing to dress up like one was not a big sacrifice, especially to encourage my staff to turn off their computers at the end of the working day,” Mr Adolfsson said. “Microsoft Sweden got involved in Earth Hour because we believe that climate change is a serious issue that demands immediate, worldwide attention. Not only will we be matching all of our staff’s donations to WWF in the coming week, we will also be making a donation for each email sent through Hotmail in Sweden on March 31.”

Manchester United turn off at home 

The stadium that English footballer, Bobby Charlton once christened the Theatre of Dreams will be plunged into darkness for Earth Hour. Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, is the second-largest football stadium in England and has played a major part in FA Cup semi finals and hosted the final of the 2000 Rugby League World Cup. The hallowed ground has pledged to switch off its lights on March 31.

Kids who care

Singapore based seven-year-old Sheryl Ng has pledged if she can convince 100 people to switch off all their lights for one hour, she will step up on stage at her school and give a speech about Earth Hour in front of 1000 students.

“I’m a bit nervous,” she admits. “But I want my Earth to be healthy!”

Wembley switches off 

One of the world’s most famous stadiums will be turning off its lights on March 31 to show its support for Earth Hour. The 90,000 capacity venue is the second largest stadium in Europe and will play a leading role in the London Olympics this year. This will be the second time that Wembley will take part in Earth Hour’s global campaign. Throughout the year the stadium utilises only essential lighting, as part of its environmental management system.

“We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint,” said Roger Maslin, Managing Director, Wembley Stadium. “As part of Earth Hour 2012 we will also be encouraging all our employees and partners to take part in Earth Hour whether they are at work or at home, and will be promoting the message to the audience during the Saracen V Harlequin rugby match taking place at the stadium on the day.”