The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) is joining the Earth Hour, a global movement that, once a year, reminds us that nature is the planet’s life support and highlights the environmental emergency that requires collective action.

As a symbolic gesture, this Saturday, March 22, from 20:30 to 21:30, the IAC will join hundreds of national and international organizations by switching off the lights at its headquarters as a commitment to protecting nature and fighting climate change.

Earth Hour began in 2007 as a gesture to raise awareness about climate change by turning off the lights of buildings and monuments for one hour. Over the years, it has become one of the largest global mobilizations in defense of the environment. Each year, millions of people, cities, and companies across 200 countries participate in this initiative, switching off the lights of more than 17,000 iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum.

Sustainability and the fight against light pollution are among the IAC’s top priorities. Through its Oficina Técnica de la Calidad del Cielo (OTPC), the institute actively ensures compliance with the so-called Ley del Cielo and collaborates on various projects where dark skies are essential, such as measures to protect the pardela cenicienta.