Residents throughout the island are being encouraged to turn off their lights this evening to celebrate Earth Hour.

Started in 2007, Earth Hour is a global initiative in which people turn off their lights between 8.30pm and 9.30pm, to show support for the planet and raise awareness for environmental issues.

The event in Bermuda is spearheaded by Greenrock with many companies and organisations planning to participate, including the Corporation of Hamilton, the West End Development Corporation, the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, the Building and Land Development Corporation and Waterfront Properties.

A City of Hamilton spokeswoman said: “The City recognises the global need for environmental change and remains in full support of the initiative put forth by Greenrock along with the many other local partners that take part, to raise awareness throughout Bermuda that action must be taken to protect and preserve the planet.”

Wedco announced that all non-essential lights throughout Dockyard would be turned off during Earth Hour and encouraged all businesses and tenants in the area to do the same.

The BLDC, which oversees the development of some land in St George’s, Sandys and Southampton, also urged its tenants to turn off or dim their lights during that time.

A spokeswoman for the Chamber of Commerce said: “Earth Hour provides an opportunity for us all to come together and show our commitment to a greener future.

“By the simple act of turning off our lights for an hour, we can demonstrate that we are serious about creating a more sustainable future for Bermuda.

"We encourage everyone in Bermuda to join us in supporting Earth Hour.“

Waterfront Properties plans for most of its properties to go completely black during the hour.

A spokesman for Greenrock said: “We encourage everyone in Bermuda to visit the greenrock.org website and register their commitment to do something, anything, nature positive for 60 minutes.”