NYC's Empire State Building Goes Dark for Earth Hour

<img src="https://assets2.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2025/03/22/379fc284-4a9f-4486-b8c2-5d3460b86b6f/thumbnail/620x421/8ea5e177ce8850af5acc460a2eb286e2/gettyimages-2108084584.jpg?v=9e5c48f1b04ac2a564e8a4c51250ac89#" alt="he top of the Empire State Building and One Vanderbilt go dark to mark Earth Hour in New York City as they stand behind the Lackawanna clock tower in Hoboken, New Jersey on March 23, 2024, as seen from Jersey City, New Jersey. " height="421" width="620">

New York City's iconic Empire State Building went dark on March 22, 2025, from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. This wasn't a power outage, but a symbolic gesture in observance of Earth Hour.

What is Earth Hour?

Earth Hour, organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), is a global movement to raise awareness about environmental issues. Landmarks around the world participate by switching off their lights for an hour, and individuals are encouraged to take part by performing eco-friendly activities.

The WWF highlights that Earth Hour is about more than just turning off the lights; it's about inspiring a global commitment to environmental sustainability.

Earth Hour, which started in Australia in 2007, now involves over 180 countries and territories and is held annually on the last or second-to-last Saturday of March.

The Empire State Building's participation serves as a powerful visual reminder of the importance of environmental action and global collaboration for a sustainable future.