On March 28, Las Vegas, along with more than 2,700 cities and 83 countries, was scheduled to participate in a large-scale endeavor to put and end to global warming. People worldwide were being encouraged to switch off their lights and non-essential appliances this upcoming Saturday for sixty minutes.

                Earth Hour, as it has come to be known, is supported by the World Wildlife Fund and began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia. That year, 2.2 million home and business owners became part of the effort. Last year alone, 50 million people got involved and did their part. This year is unprecedented, as it is the first time that help from the entire world is being summoned.

                The hype created from last year’s presidential election spurred the creation of this year’s slogan, which asks everyone of every race, religion, color, and background to “vote Earth” by being a part of Earth Hour. (Those who leave their lights on cast their vote for global warming.)

                In it’s third year, Earth Hour hopes to see a record-breaking 1 billion people step up and take simple but crucial action of turning off their lights for just an hour starting at 8:30 p.m. local time.  Afterwards, world leaders are expected to meet at a conference to discuss the global climate change and the crisis that we, as a world, must face. The ultimate objective is to spread the word about global warming and how it affects our planet—and everyone on it.

                Las Vegas, one of the brightest cities in the world, is even joining in. Casinos and hotels on the Strip have all made the commitment to turn off, or at the very least, dim their neon lights. But they aren’t alone. Businesses and communities throughout the Valley have dedicated themselves to setting aside one hour for the occasion.

                The organization encourages participants to have candlelit dinners, play flashlight games, or just spend time you usually wouldn’t with family, friends, or neighbors—all in the dark. Like they always say, every vote counts!  So turn off your lights, break out the matches, and become part of the movement that’s changing the world, one light switch at a time.