As we embark on the journey into 2024, it's a moment for reflection, a time to ponder the events of the past year, evaluating personal achievements and unfulfilled aspirations. It's an opportunity to consider how to put our best foot forward, shaping the upcoming year to be truly ours. This introspective period is not only about personal growth but also a time when many individuals make resolutions geared towards environmental consciousness, such as embracing a more planet-friendly diet, prioritizing time in nature over screen time, or opting for public transport instead of reaching for the car keys.


But for others, looking towards the future can cause anxiety when considering the state of our planet, our future, and whether these individual actions are enough.


Eco-anxiety is on the rise

Searches for ‘climate anxiety’ and ‘eco-anxiety’ have soared over the last year, with a snapshot showing searches were 27 times higher in 2023 than the same period in 2017. In particular, children and young people are increasingly feeling distressed about the impact of climate change.

Epson’s own 2023 Climate Reality Barometer report saw people cite climate change (55%) as the top global issue they’re concerned about, even over rising prices (53%), poverty (37%) or conflict (23%). 


Hope can be a powerful lever for change

Climate anxiety can be overwhelming, and if you feel this way, you're not alone. However by channeling our concerns into positive action, this can help alleviate feelings of helplessness. We can all embrace the power of small actions, as every effort contributes to a collective positive impact and instead of dwelling solely on the problems, it helps explore and promote solutions.

Research also shows that believing in future solutions such as appreciating the science, putting your trust in future generations and getting familiar with renewable energy technologies, electric cars or other key innovations - has helped others to reduce their climate anxiety.

Climate hope – the belief that it is possible to innovate our way out of the climate crisis and limit warming to 1.5°C – can be found.


Becoming Earth Hour’s first-ever international corporate partner 

Global president Mr Ogawa from Seiko Epson Corporation - Earth Hour’s first-ever international partner, tells us that: 

“In 2021, Epson renewed our Environmental Vision, committing to achieve carbon negativity and eliminate the utilization of non-renewable underground resources by 2050 in order to minimize our environmental footprint.

We’ve also developed tools and services that are solutions-based, whether that’s through our PaperLab office dry papermaking system, producing recycled paper without a drop of water; our inkjet printers designed to reduce electricity consumption and save resources; or our Dry Fiber Technology that upcycles old scraps of fibrous material into valuable goods - like absorbent ink pads for Epson printers.

This year, as an extension of our sustainability commitments, we're very happy and excited to partner with the world’s largest grassroots environmental campaign, Earth Hour - as its first-ever international corporate partner in 2024.” 


Since its inception in 2007, Earth Hour has been famous for its historic ‘lights off’ moment with landmarks and supporters in over 190 countries and territories taking part from around the world. The campaign has evolved since then, with a renewed call for everyone to: ‘Switch Off. Give an Hour for Earth’ helping to turn a single hour into thousands and millions of hours of action for the planet, creating the Biggest Hour for Earth.


Give an hour for Earth by saving energy

As part of Earth Hour and Epson’s collaboration, we’re aiming to inspire millions this year to take part in energy-saving activities, to encourage more responsible consumption when it comes to energy.

While the immediate impact may be modest, we are encouraging people to consider their energy usage and the broader implications for the environment.

Earth Hour aims to inspire and create hope for those who feel either overwhelmed, lost, confused or turned off by the scale of the planetary crisis, whether that’s:


  • Be energy efficient! Take an hour to look around your home and see which of your old appliances can be more energy-efficient.
  • Convert the settings on your devices to ‘energy saving’. Using ‘dark mode’ or ‘eco mode’ is a simple switch that can free up energy you didn’t even realize you were consuming. Check all your devices - personal and household ones. See what switches you can make in 60 minutes!
  • Switch the lights off and opt for natural light! During the day, there is little need to have your non-essential lights glaring. Use an hour to clean your windows and skylights and watch the natural light pour in.
  • Give your home appliances some TLC! Are your home appliances in optimal condition? Perhaps it’s time to give them some tender-loving-care and maintenance! Take 60 minutes to clean, repair or replace the parts of your beloved appliances.

Giving an hour for Earth, this Earth Hour, by spending 60 minutes learning about a new solution or innovation that could help save energy - might even help curb some of that eco-anxiety while you're at it!


Saving energy, it’s just a simple switch.


Find out more about Earth Hour and Epson’s partnership in 2024 at earthhour.org/epson