Ugašena svjetla u 90 zemalja

U čak devedeset zemalja svijeta ugašena su svjetla kako bi se upozorilo na globalno zatopljenje.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris is plunged into darkness.

But this is no unforeseen power cut - it's Earth Hour 2009.

Lights on landmarks across the world were turned off to highlight the threat from climate change.

Many cities - like Belfast in Northern Ireland - made a show of taking part.

(SOUNDBITE) (English): LORD MAYOR OF BELFAST TOM HARTLEY OUTSIDE BELFAST CITY HALL-

"Tonight I'm switching off the lights of the City Hall for earth hour that is about saving energy so I'm going to start the count now, 4-3-2-1 I'm switching off!"

Britain was one of many countries to embrace the event which was organised by the Worldwide Fund for Nature.

(SOUNDBITE) (English): DAVID NUSSBAUM CEO WWF UK SAYING:

"It's an opportunity for hundreds of millions of people all around the world to switch off their lights as a demonstration, a symbolic action to show to governments we need you to take action on climate change."

The WWF said it expected one billion people from 90 countries to take part.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) STEVE MICKLEWRIGHT FROM THE UK'S AVON WILDLIFE TRUST, SAYING:

"We think climate change is the most important issue of our time."

(SOUNDBITE) (English) NEWCASTLE, ENGLAND, COUNCILLOR IAN MEARNS, SAYING:

"We only have one planet and we need to live on it for a long long time, so it's all about everyone's future, our children and our children's children."

(SOUNDBITE) (English) LUCY ADAMS, GATESHEAD YOUTH COUNCIL, ENGLAND, SAYING:

"I really love animals and that's what it's focusing on, they are one of the things that make the earth what it is. So if they are not there, then the earth won't be what it should be."

World emissions have risen by 70 per cent since the 1970's and China has recently overtaken America as the top emitter

(SOUNDBITE) (English) AMERICAN TOURIST DANIEL BROWN SAYING:

"It is a world-wide problem and we as Americans want our government to do more. So we are very proud it has been recognized in Europe and around the world. It's a very important international issue because it's all of our future".

How far world leaders will go in response to such views isn't clear.

But many hope the G20 summit in London this week will bring music to the ears of those desperate for action over climate change.

Sonia Legg, Reuters.