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As the lights of Apia, Samoa were turned on once again at 21.30pm local time (08.30 GMT), the citizens of the world reflected on the planet’s largest collective leadership for climate action – Earth Hour 2010.

25 and three quarters hours after the first lights were turned off in Chatham Islands, the world has seen the lights go off on heritage sites, ancient and modern marvels, local cafes, schools, royal and presidential palaces, universities and backyard dinner parties.

A record 126 countries and territories, over 4,000 cities, towns and municipalities and hundreds of millions of people across the globe took part in delivering a powerful action of hope for a better, healthy planet.

Andy Ridley Co-Founder and Executive Director of Earth Hour said, “The response from citizens, businesses and government has been truly phenomenal. Crossing geographic, economic and cultural boundaries, it has brought together people from all over the planet to celebrate the one thing we all share – the place we live.”

“WWF’s Earth Hour, at a personal, local and global level has become a rallying point for those who want action on climate change and are prepared to be part of the solution,” Ridley said.

WWF-International’s Director-General Jim Leape who attended the lights out celebrations at the Forbidden City in China said, ““Tonight, hundreds of millions of people raised their voices by turning out their lights. It is a simple act, but a powerful call to action," Jim Leape said.

Around the world, Earth Hour was embraced by all walks of life, transcending race, culture, age and economics as individuals took leadership in their communities in the pursuit of a climate change solution.

United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon said, “The message of Earth Hour is simple. Climate change is a concern for each of us. Solutions are within our grasp and are ready to be implemented by individuals, communities, businesses and governments around the globe.”

Yolanda Kakabadse, WWF International President and Former Ecuadorian Environment Minister said, “Never doubt that decision makers will be watching what masses of people do in their homes and communities for Earth Hour. Dealing with climate change is not easy and leaders are themselves looking for leadership on the issue.”

South African Nobel Peace Prize Winner, The Most Reverend Archbishop Desmond Tutu said, “Earth Hour is an opportunity for every man, woman and child from all corners of the globe to unite and show the world that by working together we can win the battle against global warming."

Mrs. Kim Barrow, First Lady of Belize said, "The time to act is now. Tomorrow is way too late. Take responsibility and make your mark. Any other option is unacceptable."

Once again, Earth Hour was owned by the people of the planet. In Sydney, a participant at a candle lit dinner said, “(Earth Hour) is a great moment to think about our impact on the environment and our place in making a positive change for our planet. It is a great way of uniting people to act on climate change.”

In Cusco, Peru, Earth Hour supporters walked the streets reminding residents to turn out their lights.

More than ever before, social media was a powerful force in spreading the message of Earth Hour. Celebrity tweets included:

• Twitter’s most popular tweeter, Ashton Kutcher – “Earth Hour is at 8.30. Let’s shut the lights off.”
• Demi Moore – “Are your lights off for Earth Hour?”
• Coldplay – “Get out your flashlights for Earth Hour.”

While Kylie Minogue tweeted a picture of the candle she lit.

Impressions online included:

• 74.6 million of Earth Hour mentions on Google within 24 hours
• Number 1 worldwide trending topic on Twitter for most of the 24 hours, which never fell below position 7 (at it’s peak 2.2 % of all tweets were Earth Hour related)
• Over 1,000 official Earth Hour photos were submitted from around the world

As the world once again freely uses its lights, Earth Hour organisers believe that actions of individuals throughout Earth Hour has demonstrated the desire that remains embedded in the hearts and minds of the people of the planet to make a difference in their everyday lives and to make every hour, earth hour.

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Earth Hour Images, video and audio: http://earthhour.panda.org/

For more information about Earth Hour 2010, please contact:
Earth Hour 24 Hour Newsroom +61 404 929 243

About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a global WWF climate change initiative.  Individuals, businesses, governments and communities are invited to turn out their lights for one hour on Saturday March 27, 2010 at 8:30 PM to show their support for action on climate change.  The event began in Sydney in 2007, when 2 million people switched off their lights. In 2008, more than 50 million people around the globe participated. In 2009, participation swelled to hundreds of millions as 4159 cities, towns and municipalities in 88 countries and many of the world’s best known landmarks participated.

About WWF
WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost five million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.