Earth Hour to take place tonight

We are being urged to switch off our lights for an hour this evening in a show of concern over climate change.

Earth Hour kicks off at 8.30pm, with people and businesses all over the world expected to take part.

Ireland was the first European country to take part.

This year, public buildings scheduled to observe Earth Hour include Government Buildings, Leinster House, the Custom House and the Four Courts in Dublin.

Tony Lowes of Friends of the Irish Environment said those who took part would be "part of a worldwide movement of people who are trying to draw attention to…global warming (and) population growth. These are issues that have to be addressed".