Twenty-eight million Scouts from 160 countries around the globe will be among those observing this year’s Earth Hour, set for 8:30 p.m. on 28 March.

First established by the WWF in 2007, Earth Hour encourages people worldwide to switch off their lights for one hour in an effort to raise awareness for action on climate change.

“We see that Scouts all over the world have a great interest in the environment and are leaders in their community,” said Luc Panissod, Acting Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. “Earth Hour offers an opportunity for Scouts to demonstrate this commitment to tackling climate change and engage with their family and friends.”

More than 681 cities in 76 countries have so far signed on to participate in Earth Hour 2009, according to the WWF, shaping it up to become “one of the greatest voluntary actions the world has ever seen.”

Tags: Earth Hour