Lights Out! 170 Countries Go Dark For Earth Hour

Activists aiming to reduce carbon emissions and take action against climate change are urging everyone to turn their lights off for Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is March 28 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time.

In the past, dozens of countries across the world committed to hitting the lights for the event, organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). This year, organizers said 170 countries in 24 time zones will participate.

Learn more about the WWF.

There are activities planned for Earth Hour that can be watched live on the organization's site.

Watch the live Earth Hour tracker.

“What starts as a simple flick of the light switch for Earth Hour brings us all together in a collective display of our commitment to creating a better future for the planet. We need your help to ensure our commitment is stronger than ever and seen all around the world,” organizers said.

Among the projects at the center of this effort are protecting the Great Barrier Reef, endangered species, and reducing pollution.

The movement began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia.