The Earth Hour is being observed today across the globe to create awareness about climate change and to encourage support for environmentally sustainable action.

The global initiative by World Wildlife Fund encourages people around the world to switch off lights today for an hour beginning at 8.30 pm in each time zone.

AIR correspondent reports that the Earth Hour movement started in Sydney in 2007 has grown in subsequent years. According to Earth Hour website, a record 147 countries and territories are preparing to take part in the event.