Musicians Go “Live” in Global Rally to Fight Climate Change

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 23, 2016 /3BL Media/ – This Saturday, World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour will sweep across the globe as skylines from Sydney to San Francisco go dark as a symbolic call for urgent action in the fight against climate change. As millions of people around the world turn off their lights for one hour, singer songwriters and soulful musicians will lend their voices to carry the message of Earth Hour, creating a live soundtrack for a truly global online rally to fight climate change.

With more than seven million followers, Bridgit Mendler is one of hundreds of artists and musicians who will participate in Earth Hour Live. On March 25, at 8:30pm local time, music lovers and music makers are encouraged to turn off and tune in using #EarthHourLive on Facebook or other live platforms.

“I am excited to partner with WWF on Earth Hour Live. My grandpa was a big supporter of WWF and so my involvement is in memory of him and his love for the planet. It is also an occasion to bring music to my fans around the world and talk about pressing issues like climate change,” said Bridgit Mendler. “By raising my voice through music, my hope is that I can draw awareness and inspire much needed action.”

Even with the historic Paris Agreement on climate change in full force, there is still a major gap between the emissions cuts countries have pledged and the ambition needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius – the new global goal set by the landmark agreement. As we strive toward reaching this goal, there has never been a more crucial time to hold leaders accountable and show strong public support for efforts to stem climate change.

Joining millions of people, cities and businesses across the globe, iconic US landmarks, including the Empire State Building, the Space Needle, the Golden Gate Bridge, and many of the bright lights along the Las Vegas strip, among others will provide a stunning visual backdrop for this crucial call to action.

“Now it’s up to us to maintain the momentum for action,” said Lou Leonard, senior vice president, climate and energy, World Wildlife Fund. “Cities, companies and the American people need to pick up the mantle of leadership on climate action. Movements matter, and the Earth Hour movement is a global reminder that people are leading the transformation to a more prosperous and renewable future.”

As our planet falls victim to record breaking temperatures, and as sea levels continue to rise, the decisions we make today will largely shape our collective future and our ability to stave off the dire impacts of climate change. The Earth Hour movement mobilizes cities and businesses who are already working toward a renewable future, and inspires meaningful action among millions of people. We all have a responsibility to deliver on our promise to the planet.

Here’s what other passionate artists and musicians had to say about Earth Hour:

"Earthlings taking one hour to honor the Earth is the least we can do to show her just how much we care!” – Valerie June

“I first became really concerned about climate change after I became a vegetarian and started looking into the impact food production can have on the planet. I grew up in the countryside, I love the natural world; forests and mountains were my playground when I was young. Knowing that that could be taken away from my kids and their kids and future generations just makes me sad. Knowing that we can do something to prevent climate change gives me this passion to want to do something about it and I think in the past few years I’ve realized more and more that I can reach out to people. I’m calling on everyone to support Earth Hour.” – Ellie Goulding

"Rising Appalachia has always believed in the power of music and the arts as a tool for change. We are often the canaries in the coal mine, reflecting the places that are unstable or unjust before the common culture has taken note of them. It is an honor to be a part of Earth Hour- dedicating a night of music to the long commitment we have to protecting and stewarding this beautiful planet." – Leah and Chloe Smith of Rising Appalachia

“We feel it is an important time to bring awareness to all issues being challenged - one being climate change. The thought of our global community making the gesture of no lights for one hour will bring connection of participation surrounding this conversation. Take action big and small." – Nahko Bear of Nahko & Medicine for the People

To learn more about Earth Hour visit worldwildlife.org/earthhour.