Starting at 8:30 pm on March 19, 2016, a relay of darkness went around the world as people turned out their lights for one hour when the appointed time arrived in each of 178 countries and regions.

Now in its tenth year, Earth Hour is an interactive event hosted worldwide by conservation organization WWF. As the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Acropolis in Athens, and other World Heritage sites and landmarks, various organizations, and individuals "turn out the lights," people show through their actions the world's strong desire to stop global warming and preserve a bright future for our blue planet.

In past years, Panasonic has participated in Earth Hour in various ways, including lending solar lanterns to the event at the Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo. Another example is the 60 solar lanterns for the WWF Japan hosted event in Yokohama.

Supporting 100% renewable energy

Heavy rains started falling the night before the March 19 event, but by afternoon the sun started shining, showering the venue with the sweet warmth of spring. A stage and a slew of sponsor booths were set up in front of bustling Sakuragicho Station in Yokohama. Electricity provided at the venue was powered 100% by renewable energy, including the use of electric vehicles, solar lanterns, and electricity generated by bicycles.

Some of the electricity on the event stage was powered by pedaling bicycle with help from audience to the event

Introduction to solar lanterns given by CSR & Citizenship Department General Manager Rika Fukuda

Solar lanterns were used to light up sponsor booths

YuMi®, a collaborative industrial robot, giving demonstrations at the ABB Japan's booth

Lantern shades designed by Earth Hour supporter calligraphy artist Souun Takeda and staff of Yokohama F.Marinos (J-League football team)

Next stop: Indonesia

Solar lanterns powered by sunlight help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by cutting down on the use of kerosene lamps. If one million solar lanterns could replace kerosene lamps, this would lead to a reduction of 30,000 tons of greenhouse gases in four years. Furthermore, solar lanterns can also contribute to forest conservation in regions where firewood is used as a source of light.

The solar lanterns used in the recent event will now be transported to Indonesia where they will be used in communities near Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park on the island of Sumatra, where WWF provides support.

We will follow up with reports on how the lanterns are being used at their new home.

Team mascot Marinosuke holding a lantern shade designed by Yokohama F.Marinos staff