Earth Hour 2025: WWF-India Leads Global Movement for Sustainability and Climate Action

In a major push for climate action and sustainability, WWF-India’s Earth Hour 2025 campaign is set to ignite a global movement, aligning with UN World Water Day on March 22, 2025.

With this year’s theme, #BeWaterWise, the campaign emphasises the urgent need for water conservation, a crucial factor in combating climate change and ensuring environmental resilience.

Beyond the symbolic act of switching off lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, the movement urges individuals and organisations to adopt long-term sustainable practices that reduce their ecological footprint and promote responsible resource management.

According to the statement, India, home to 1.4 billion people, relies on just 4 percent of the world’s freshwater resources, making it one of the most water-stressed countries globally. The crisis is further aggravated by climate change, with glacier melt, wetland degradation, and erratic monsoons intensifying water shortages. Unchecked urbanisation and unsustainable consumption patterns continue to threaten fragile ecosystems.

“Earth Hour 2025 calls for immediate action to reduce water wastage, curb emissions, and embrace climate-friendly lifestyles that safeguard the planet’s limited resources,” the statement said.

The campaign has garnered support from well-known advocates such as Dia Mirza, Viswanathan Anand, Ranveer Brar, Sudarsan Pattnaik, and Ricky Kej, who are amplifying the call for sustainability and climate resilience.

As part of the initiative, WWF-India is hosting the Earth Hour Festival 2025 in Delhi, merging music, art, and expert discussions on conservation. The festival will feature composer Shantanu Moitra, who will share insights from his Ganga River journey, emphasising the urgency of protecting India’s water bodies. Singer-songwriter Taba Chake, representing indigenous voices, will highlight the deep connection between nature and culture. An eco-art installation by Gopal Namjoshi, crafted from scrap metal, will serve as a powerful symbol of the need for resource conservation and circular economy practices.

The event will also feature an address by Bharat Lal, Secretary-General and CEO of the National Human Rights Commission, reinforcing the critical link between water security, human rights, and climate resilience.

Actor and environmentalist Dia Mirza said, “Like every year, I’ll be switching off for Earth Hour to join the biggest voluntary movement for the environment. With its convergence with World Water Day, #BeWaterWise aligns with my philosophy. Every small action counts in protecting our finite water resources.”

Chef Ranveer Brar added, “I switch off non-essential lights daily, and this year’s Earth Hour is even more meaningful with its focus on water conservation. #BeWaterWise is simple to follow, and I hope everyone adopts it.”

Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik remarked, “Having supported both Earth Hour and World Water Day for years, I see their convergence as a powerful call to protect natural resources. As an artist, I feel responsible for contributing to this movement.”

Earth Hour 2025 aims to drive behavioral change by encouraging individuals and businesses to commit to sustainable water use, reduced single-use plastics, lower carbon footprints, and increased energy efficiency. Last year’s Earth Hour saw participation from over 250 landmarks and institutions across India, making it one of the largest global environmental movements. By prioritising climate resilience and responsible resource management, the campaign seeks to inspire long-term environmental responsibility, ensuring future generations inherit a thriving planet.

Adding momentum to this movement, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have joined hands with WWF-India as Earth Hour Water Ambassadors, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability and climate action.

This partnership, announced in the lead-up to World Water Day on March 22, aims to spotlight the critical need for water conservation and climate resilience.

Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, India’s top run-scorer in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and head coach Ricky Ponting, the IPL franchise is leveraging its massive fan base to promote eco-conscious habits. Through the #BeWaterWise campaign, the team urges fans to actively participate in Earth Hour and embrace sustainable practices such as reducing water waste, minimizing carbon footprints, and cutting down on plastic consumption.

According to the statement, cricket, with its unparalleled reach in India, serves as a powerful platform for climate advocacy. The participation of Punjab Kings highlights the deep connection between water security, sustainability, and climate action, calling on individuals, businesses, and communities to embrace environmental stewardship.

Satish Menon, CEO of Punjab Kings, emphasised the significance of this initiative, stating, "At Punjab Kings, we believe that cricket is more than just a game—it’s a platform to drive positive change. Hence, we are elated to announce our association with the World Wide Fund for Nature, India (WWF-India), as Earth Hour Water Ambassador. Through this initiative, we will aim to spread awareness about water conservation and sustainability. Hence, we would like to appeal to our fans to show their support for this initiative and join us in making this world a better place."

WWF-India, a leader in conservation efforts for over five decades, welcomed this collaboration, with Ravi Singh, Secretary-General and CEO of WWF-India, highlighting the pressing need for water security to tackle the impacts of climate change.

He noted, “With Punjab Kings championing the #BeWaterWise campaign, we have the opportunity to reach millions across India and encourage a shift toward more sustainable water practices. Water conservation is key to building climate resilience, reducing carbon footprints, and safeguarding our natural ecosystems.”

The Earth Hour Festival 2025 will serve as a dynamic platform for conversations on water conservation, climate resilience, and sustainability. The festival will include thought-provoking discussions on the impact of water on ecosystems, climate change, and cultural heritage, along with musical performances and artistic showcases aimed at raising awareness. Honouring grassroots conservationists, the event will also recognize ‘Water Heroes’—individuals leading impactful change in water management and sustainability at the community level.

Since its inception in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has grown into the world’s largest grassroots environmental movement, now uniting people across over 190 countries to take a stand for the planet. As climate change accelerates and natural resources face unprecedented strain, initiatives like Earth Hour 2025 serve as a crucial reminder of collective responsibility. By promoting water conservation, sustainability, and climate action, Earth Hour aims to create a lasting impact beyond the one-hour switch-off, inspiring individuals and businesses to adopt eco-friendly habits that contribute to a greener, more resilient world.