SYDNEY - The glittering lights of Sydney's world-famous skyline switched off tonight to highlight global warming.
Many of the city's skyscrapers plunged into darkness as Sydneysiders were treated to the unusual sight of lights going out at the Opera House, on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and at Luna Park for Earth Hour.
The iconic Coca-Cola sign at Kings Cross also went dark for the first time since it was illuminated in 1974.
About 65,000 households and 2,000 businesses committed to turning off their lights between 7.30pm (AEST) and 8.30pm (AEST) for Earth Hour, which is part of an effort to cut the city's greenhouse gas emissions by five per cent in the next 12 months.
WWF Australia organised the event, with chief executive officer Greg Bourne saying it was fantastic to watch Sydney going dim.
He said Energy Australia had estimated a saving of five per cent on a normal Saturday night with similar temperature and conditions.
"It's absolutely fantastic, there's a mood of enthusiasm and hopefulness and action," he said tonight.
"I have never seen Sydney's skyline look so dark.
"There's not an advertising sign up there that I can see and many buildings are completely dark, it is really quite amazing."
Australian actress Cate Blanchett, Labor MP Peter Garrett, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and federal Labor leader Kevin Rudd attended a function at Mrs Macquaries Chair and watched the city skyline go dark.
Blanchett described Earth Hour as a period of "voluntary, active and thoughtful darkness".
"Earth Hour is not a protest, it's not political, nor is it merely symbolic," she said during a speech at the event.
"Earth Hour is a celebration of our awakening to the challenges of climate change.
"It's a powerful and positive voice of commitment to finding new and better ways to live on our planet. It's a beginning."
People lined the harbour foreshore for the event, applauding as lights across the CBD and the harbour blinked out one by one.
Many hotels provided candles to guests as they switched off and star-gazers made the most of the opportunity at Sydney Observatory.
Pubs promoted dining by candlelight and a speed dating in the dark event and special skywalks were held at Sydney Tower, the city's tallest building.
Road lighting on the city's bridges remained on for safety purposes.
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