Lights to Go Out at 8:30 p.m. for `Earth Hour'

Los Angeles City Hall, the Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel and Los Angeles International Airport gateway pylons are among the iconic structures that will go dark for 60 minutes tonight in observance of the World Wildlife Fund's annual Earth Hour call for energy conservation.

The illuminated pylons that mark the entrance to LAX will glow solid green for one hour beginning at 7:30 p.m., then go dark during Earth Hour, which lasts from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., according to airport officials.

In Santa Monica, the solar-powered Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier will fade to black, with the exception of wheel-rim safety lighting.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti ordered that all non-essential lights be turned off for Earth Hour at City Hall, City Hall East, City Hall South and the mayor's Getty House residence. He also called on residents to take part in the observance.

"Reducing energy consumption reduces pollution and the strain on our utility infrastructure," Garcetti said. "While it will take more than an hour to solve climate change, by joining this movement we send a strong message that Angelenos care about the health of their city, their environment and the globe."

Among the worldwide landmarks that are also set to go dark for the event are the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament in London and the Acropolis in Greece.

—City News Service