"Earth Hour" began in Sydney in 2007. In 3 years, it has grown into one of the world's largest -- joint actions -- dealing with climate change.

The "Earth Hour" movement -- initiated by the World Wildlife Fund -- is set to be marked around the world. In an effort to bring attention to global climate change, the group is calling for lights to be turned off across the globe between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Some of the most famous landmarks in China will join "Earth Hour". The Bird's Nest and the Water Cube in Beijing and the Oriental Pearl Broadcasting Tower in Shanghai will switch off their lights for one hour on Saturday evening.

Other Chinese cities, including Baoding, Dalian, Nanjing and Shunde as well as the Hong Kong SAR will also participate in the global event.

Citizens, communities, and companies around the country are doing their part to organize and promote the movement.

So far, more than 2,400 cities from 81 countries... and some 1 billion people from around the world have joined "Earth Hour".

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is urging more people to participate... and make a concretecontribution to the efforts against global warming.

"Earth Hour" began in Sydney in 2007. In 3 years, it has grown into one of the world's largest -- joint actions -- dealing with climate change.

On March 31st, 2007, over 2.2 million homes and businesses in Sydney switched off their lights for one hour. It was estimated that electricity saved during that hour could sustain 200,000 TV sets for one hour. Or supply the energy to run 50,000 cars for one hour.

As an added bonus, Sydney residents joining the movement said they could see more stars than ever during that night.

After that, "Earth Hour" spread around the world at a amazing speed.

In 2008, from Oceania to Asia from Europe to the Americas... 50 million people switched off their lights.

More and more people have been joining the "Earth Hour" movement... and contributing in their own way to save our planet.

CCTV.com | 03-28-2009 14:51