Gozo’s second official edition of Earth Hour - an exciting global gathering held in 188 countries, scheduled for this Saturday, will go ahead as planned but with a twist.

Naomi McDonald, the Gozo Earth Hour Live event organiser said: “We need to stay home, stay safe, be part of the solution by helping to flatten the curve of pressure on our amazing medical staff in Malta, Gozo, and around our world.” Where previous editions had seen people gather in public spaces, this year the event will be held online: “We will come together virtually and LIVE on Facebook in @EarthHourLive, where we will connect, and share time to think with our fellow humans who are near to home, those in far flung places around the world, and of course especially with all those we love,” she explained.

The event will see hundreds of thousands of people in every time zone switching off their lights (and lighting candles) for one hour, with cities and councils also doing the same with street and public lights. Some local entities have already signed up, including the Victoria, Gharb and Birzebbugia local councils. Naomi highlights that the darkness is symbolic and will allow people all over the world to connect with each other and the Earth.

For those wanting to immerse even further in the experience, a virtual cinema will also be showing Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s UNESCO and award-winning film HOME. This will kick off at 18:45, also on Facebook.

Locals joining in will also have the chance to be part of an interesting scene: “During the event the organisers will begin planting 60 indigenous Maltese Holm Oak Acorns and will be inviting Maltese and Gozitans to message in to name and claim one of the trees,” Naomi says.

To join the event please visit here.