Brussels, March 19, 2025 – Several Belgian cities will switch off their lights on Saturday, March 22, as part of Earth Hour, a global initiative led by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to raise awareness of climate change.
To mark the occasion, Brussels will host a spectacular fire show in the heart of the city. From iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Eiffel Tower in Paris to Belgium’s Atomium, famous monuments worldwide will be plunged into darkness at 20:30.
This annual event, aimed at highlighting the urgency of environmental action, is organised in collaboration with participating cities. In Belgium, Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Mechelen, and Genk have confirmed their participation in this symbolic movement.
Brussels Leads the Way with Fire Show
Brussels, as the capital of the European Union, is taking a leading role in Earth Hour celebrations. The city will not only turn off its lights but also host a fire show at Grand Place from 20:30 to 22:30, offering a mesmerizing visual spectacle to reflect on climate action.
“Earth Hour is a strong symbolic signal with which we, as the City of Brussels, are once again demonstrating our commitment to the climate,” said Frederik Ceulemans (Open VLD), the city’s climate councillor. “Today, more than ever, we must step up our efforts to build a sustainable, climate-neutral city.”
The event is expected to draw hundreds of residents and visitors to the city centre, reinforcing the capital’s commitment to sustainability.
“As the European capital, Brussels has a pioneering role to play. Not only will we turn off the lights, but we will also provide a unique moment of solidarity and reflection through an impressive spectacle on the most beautiful square in the world,” Ceulemans added.
Encouraging Residents to Join the Movement
WWF and local authorities are urging citizens to participate by turning off their lights at home for one hour. In addition to reducing energy consumption, the initiative serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the planet.
Beyond simply switching off lights, WWF is encouraging individuals to engage in activities that contribute to environmental sustainability.
The organisation is also promoting its “bank of hours” initiative, which collects hours dedicated to environmental action. Last year’s Earth Hour amassed more than 1.5 million hours, equating to 178 years of positive impact for nature.
Additional Activities Across Belgium
Aside from the fire show in Brussels, other free events are being organised across the country to support Earth Hour:
- Running sessions in various cities to promote active and eco-friendly lifestyles.
- An exhibition on wolves at the Aquascope in Virelles (Hainaut province), educating visitors about biodiversity and wildlife conservation.
- ArboFest, a festival in the province of Limburg aimed at strengthening the bond between people and forests.
With growing concerns over climate change, events like Earth Hour serve as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for sustainability.
As Belgium joins the global movement, the country reinforces its commitment to protecting the environment through both symbolic gestures and tangible actions.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
