Planned blackout event

It’s lights out for some of Lower Manhattan’s tallest buildings. Taking action to raise awareness about global warming and climate change, 7 World Trade Center and 120 Broadway, both owned by Silverstein Properties, have committed to a 60-minute blackout as part of a worldwide event.

“Having New York City go dark for Earth Hour will send a powerful message to the world that the U.S. is ready to assume a leadership position in solving one of the most serious challenges facing our planet today,” Carter Roberts, C.E.O. of World Wildlife Fund, said in a press release.

On Sat., Mar. 28 at 8:30 p.m. the group is calling for businesses and individuals to turn off all non-essential lighting. Last year, about 2 million people participated in Earth Hour, and the organization has set a new goal at 1 billion people this year to “Vote Earth” by switching their lighting off. During the hour, traffic lights and other public safety lights will remain on.

New York is among 1,000 cities in 80 countries participating in Earth Hour, including London, Hong Kong, Beijing and Rome.