Hanoi will host a series of activities on March 19 in response to the 2016 Earth Hour, which promotes how a small individual action can make a big influence.

The activities are intended to increase public awareness of power saving, environmental protection and climate change adaptation, towards a low-carbon economy.

Hanoi will kick off this year’s Earth Hour at the same time in Hoan Kiem, Thanh Xuan, Cau Giay and Soc Son districts and Son Tay town.

The city has campaigned local organisations, businesses, schools and households to take part in the “lights off” promotion – in which lights and electrical appliances are turned off for one hour from 20:30 to 21:30 on March 19.

It will also switch off street lights and electrical billboards in many public locations, including Ngoc Son Temple – Tortoise Tower – The Huc Bridge, Ly Thai To Park, Hanoi Opera House and Truc Bach Lake.

Contests on power saving and environment protection will be held alongside cycling and running events to promote the campaign this year.

Last year, the city saved about 241,000 kWh during Earth Hour, up 3 percent from 2014 and accounting for 46.35 percent of the electricity saved nationwide.

VNA