Landmarks go dark as world marks Earth Hour

Many iconic structures here went dark on Saturday night for an hour in observance of the World Wildlife Fund's annual Earth Hour, which calls for energy conservation and environmental protection.

Landmarks including the Santa Monica Pier ferris wheel, Los Angeles International Airport pylons, Los Angeles City Hall, Convention Center and buildings at the University of California, Los Angeles, and University of Southern California, were among the structures to switch off their lights from 8:30 p.m. (0330 GMT on Sunday) to 9:30 p.m. (0430 GMT on Sunday).

"Our ever-growing demand for food, water, and energy is changing the climate faster than predicted, and it comes at a cost for wildlife, wild places, and people everywhere," the World Wildlife Fund said on its website.

"This Earth Hour, millions of people around the world will turn off their lights for one hour to show their steadfast commitment to protecting nature," said the organization.