Lights go out in Hanoi in response to Earth Hour

Public lights in downtown Hanoi turned off for Earth Hour at 8:30 p.m. local time.

The initiative began in Australia in 2007 as a gesture by the World Wildlife Fund Australia against man-made carbon dioxide emissions linked to a warming planet.

Vietnam has participated in Earth Hour since 2009, representing the country’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions 8% by 2030 under the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Thousands of people in the capital enjoy the atmosphere of walking in the dark on the walking streets around Hoan Kiem Lake.

People hang out with very few electric lights around the pedestrian zone.

With the theme "Reducing Carbon Footprint – Towards Net Zero," this year’s campaign highlights the journey towards the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Street artists perform under the flash lights of passers-by.

People use light from mobile phones while walking.

Children play in the dark space in a public area.

All lights at the Trang Tien Plaza shopping complex turned off for Earth Hour.

A group of young people play guitar and sing on a dimly lit street, attracting a large crowd.

The Huc Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple, a Hanoi landmark, in the dark, a stark contrast to its normal glitter of glowing neon.

Turtle Tower, an iconic symbol of Hanoi in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake, at 9 p.m.