Earth Hour 2026: BayArena switches off lights for the planet

Thousands of cities and millions of people will once again take part in the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) campaign in 2026 and switch off lights at the same time - as a sign for a living planet. Like the Empire State Building in New York and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the BayArena and other buildings in Leverkusen will also remain dark to draw attention to the importance of an intact ecosystem.

Bayer 04 has been supporting the campaign for several years. "Climate protection starts on our own doorstep and thrives on shared responsibility," said Matthias Adler, Head of Sustainability, adding: "By switching off the lights at the BayArena, we are making it clear that professional football can and wants to make its contribution to a more sustainable future."

biggest global climate and environment campaign

The aim of the campaign, which will take place for the 20th time in 2026, is to set an example together for environmental and climate protection. It is supposed to be the hour for the earth - hence the name Earth Hour. The campaign first started in Sydney, Australia, on 31 March 2007. It is now the largest global climate and environmental protection campaign. Further information on the topic can be found at WWF.