>> U.S.-Supported Symposium Boosts Collective Climate Action in Red River Delta Region >> A roadcasting from the 14nd World Forestry Congress >> Shielding from the sun, Vietnamese style >> 100-year-old school saved from demolition >> New wind power project receives green light in Tra Vinh

Photo by Earth Hour

Last year was the hottest year on record. It was also the year countries came together to work against climate change at the historic summit in Paris. With the world at a climate crossroads, Earth Hour 2016 is our time to shine a light on climate action and build the foundation for a better future for our planet and future generations.

“Climate action today will decide what tomorrow looks like for years to come. Earth Hour empowers each individual to be a part of making climate change history, be it through a social event, interactive campaigns and even social networks,” said Sid Das, Executive Director, Earth Hour global.

In 2016, supporters are invited to take a stand for climate action on their own personal landmarks – their social media accounts. From donating their Facebook feeds to spread climate awareness and action on earthhour.org/climate action to adding a custom-made Earth Hour filter to Facebook and Twitter profile pictures, users can show their friends and followers they care about the planet in a few simple clicks.

“Social media knows no physical boundaries and neither does climate change,” said Dr. Van Ngoc Thinh, WWF-Vietnam’s Director. “A simple action on social media is the kind of powerful statement that can excite friends and communities to be a part of the climate action we need to take on this global challenge.”

In Vietnam, as usual since 2012, the national event will be organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in front of the Opera house in Hanoi. Together with other world’s icon landmarks, Hoang Thanh Thang Long prepares to turn off its light to respond to this biggest movement for the environment. In addition, with financial and technical support from WWF-Vietnam, this year marks a big leap forward when BOO’s “Lights off Idea up” is up-scaled to a nation-wide campaign.

“With a series of events focussing on three messages including climate change; city challenge and power sector vision, our campaign helps Vietnamese youths get access to climate change initiatives by WWF. The events take place across the country from south to north: Ho Chi Minh city, Gia Lai, Da Dang, Nha Trang, Hue, Quang Binh, Nghe An and Ha Noi - the stopping point,” said Nguyen Quynh Duyen, the young and enthusiastic manager of BOOVironment. “This year, in addition to four official ambassadors – Top 11 Miss Universe Lan Khue, Vlogger JVevermind, and Forbes Vietnam Top 30 under 30 Hoang Đuc Minh, the campaign is strongly supported by famous celebrities such as singer My Linh, singer Nhat Thuy, Hoang Dung The Voice, MC Tran Ngọc.”

The campaign’s hook is the Light Off Festival to be held at Indochina Plaza, 241 Xuan Thuy, Cau Giay, Ha Noi from 10am to 10pm on Saturday, 19 March 2016. The full day festival welcomes thousands of visitors with many exciting and meaningful activities such as environmental educational exhibition, musical performances, flea markets, countdown and Light off event… with a focus on a vision of 100% renewable energy and energy efficiency future.