World's Iconic Landmarks Go Dark For Earth Hour

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- If you happened to notice some of New York City's famous landmarks go dark Saturday night, don't be alarmed.

It was all a part of a global initiative to raise awareness of energy use and conservation, 1010 WINS' Gary Baumgarten reported.

People around the world observed Earth Hour by turning off their lights between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. local time.

Keya Chatterjee, of the World Wildlife Fund told 1010 WINS there has been major progress in conservation.

"In the last 18 months there have been more solar panels installed in the United States than in the previous 30 years. So we're seeing a real trend," Chatterjee said.

Those participating are asked to take the time to contemplate the Earth's environment.

"Earth Hour is a moment to kind of celebrate that trend and think about how we can switch the way we use electricity," Chatterjee added.

Peter, who was in Times Square when the lights went out, told Baumgarten he thinks it's a great idea.

"I think that's a great idea to create an awareness that we cannot use too much energy, I think we have to save on that. (Even here at Times Square?) Especially here at Times Square," he said.

Nearly all of the world's major landmarks and iconic buildings also took part. China's Birds Nest Stadium, the Great Wall of China, the pyramids in Egypt, the Eiffel Tower, and Big Ben all went dark on Saturday.

In the United States, the Las Vegas strip, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Willis Tower in Chicago, the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., the Space Needle in Seattle, and the Chrysler Building, Times Square and Empire State Building in New York City were among those who turned out the lights.

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