Greece joins world marking Earth Hour 2019

Several landmarks across Greece went dark on Saturday, joining global efforts to raise awareness about climate change to save the planet.

From the Acropolis of Athens, the most famous monument of the country, to the City Hall and the Lycabettus hill, the lights switched off between 8.30 pm and 9.30 pm (local time) as part of the international event called Earth Hour which was initiated in 2007.

In the capital Athens, municipal authorities called on the residents to take part in the symbolic initiative and turn off the lights at home for an hour, sending their own message to protect the planet.

The Greek parliament also joined with environmental organizations and agencies from home and abroad, turing off the lights of its building.

Following the energy upgrading in its building in recent years, the parliament has reduced its annual energy consumption by at least 30 percent, according to an e-mailed press release.

It has also drastically cut the use of paper by implementing a digital document management and paper recycling program, while plastic and metal materials, batteries and electronic devices are recycled.