Delegates attend Earth Hour 2025 opening ceremony in Hanoi (Photo: VietnamPlus)

housands gathered at Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem pedestrian zone on March 22 to launch Earth Hour 2025, themed “Green Transition – Green Future”, transforming a symbolic lights-off event into a dynamic rallying cry for sustainability.

What began as an annual environmental event has morphed into a vibrant grassroots movement, uniting residents, businesses, and youth in a shared mission to champion clean energy and eco-conscious habits.

Spreading the message of sustainability

This year’s kickoff buzzed with energy, offering a host of interactive activities designed to engage and educate. A standout attraction was a creative check-in spot showcasing a model of a traditional Hanoi balcony fitted with a solar power system, a striking symbol of how renewable energy can seamlessly integrate into daily life.

Many volunteers, mostly university students, spread actionable environmental messages through engaging interactions. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

Student-led art performances highlighted themes of sustainability and eco-friendliness, while pedal-powered generators stole the spotlight. These unique bicycles powered phone chargers and illuminated the “I am for Net-Zero” banner, offering a hands-on demonstration of clean energy’s practical value.

Vice Chairwoman of the Hoan Kiem district People's Committee, underscored the growing severity of climate change and its threats to the environment, public health, and socioeconomic development. With forecasts predicting record-high temperatures this summer, she urged the entire society to shift awareness and action collectively.

“Energy transition cannot rest solely on regulatory bodies or businesses”, she said. “It requires effort from every individual, especially the youth. Simple acts like switching off unused lights, cutting plastic use, and opting for green transport are vital steps toward a sustainable future”.

Joining hands to protect the planet

A report from the Vietnam Electricity (EVN) revealed that meeting the country's economic growth targets of 8% or more would necessitate a 12%-13% jump in power use, with dry-season spikes looming.

Tran Viet Nguyen, Deputy Head of EVN’s Business Division, stressed proactive corporate action as key to the energy sector’s green transition. He noted that EVN is aligning with the roadmap established by the Government and Ministry of Industry and Trade, particularly the recently-updated National Power Development Plan VIII

Energy expert Vu Chi Mai, Project Director of CASE in Vietnam under the GIZ Energy Support Program (GIZ ESP) said, "Turning off lights for an hour during Earth Hour may seem modest but carries profound impact. When we unite to protect the planet and future generations, this gesture sparks new ideas and awareness, empowering us to do things better and walk together in this mission".

These unique bicycles power phone chargers and illuminate the “I am for Net-Zero” banner, offering a hands-on demonstration of clean energy’s practical value. (Photo: VietnamPlus)

With thousands joining enthusiastically, Earth Hour 2025 succeeded in amplifying the appeal of a movement toward a greener lifestyle. Its creative and meaningful activities played a key role in boosting public consciousness about energy conservation, environmental protection, and urban green transition.

According to a representative from the Organising Committee, the event’s true success lies not just in the day’s memorable moments but in its ability to inspire ongoing action. By fostering a collective commitment to sustainability, Earth Hour 2025 has set the stage for individuals and organisations to work together toward a greener, brighter tomorrow./.

VNA