Local people join a race for Earth Hour 2023 in Hà Nội on Saturday. Photo baochinhphu.vn

HÀ NỘI — More than 1,000 people joined a Race for Earth Hour 2023, which took place around Hoàn Kiếm Lake in Hà Nội on Saturday.

The race was one of a number of activities held in Việt Nam to respond to this year's Earth Hour event.

Citizens nationwide are encouraged to make a simple but meaningful act of turning off lights and other unnecessary devices from 20:30 to 21:30 on March 25.

An online quiz to learn about the Earth Hour is held for the first time on the website of the National Energy Efficiency Programme at tietkiemnangluong.com.vn.

The Earth Hour is an initiative launched by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and is the largest social event globally. So far it has been observed in 7,000 cities and towns across 172 countries and territories globally.

Việt Nam first joined the Earth Hour campaign in 2009. In 2022, the country saved 309,000 kWh of electricity, equivalent to VNĐ576.1 million (US$24,000).

The Earth Hour campaign in Việt Nam is hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and receives the support of many businesses, especially Vietnam Electricity (EVN) which serves as the primary sponsor of the campaign.

The campaign is one of several actions being taken by the Vietnamese Government and people, demonstrating their strong commitment to uniting with the world in the fight against climate change. — VNS