Lights off as "Earth Hour" circles the globe

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Lights went off around the world as landmark buildings and ordinary homes flipped their switches while the annual "Earth Hour" circled the planet in what was dubbed the world's largest voluntary action for the environment.

In Paris a minute's silence was observed for Japan as the city of light went dark, with illuminations switched off at the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame cathedral, City Hall, opera houses and many bridges, fountains and public places.

Partially lit buildings stand in the financial district in Singapore on March 26, 2011, after some lights were turned off during Earth Hour. Hundreds of landmark buildings and millions of ordinary homes were switching off their lights as the annual "Earth Hour" moved around the globe in what was dubbed the world's largest voluntary action for the environment.

The skyscrapers of Singapore's central business district are pictured before Earth Hour March 26, 2011. Lights started going off around the world on Saturday in a show of support for renewable energy, and was given added poignancy by Japan's nuclear disaster which raises doubts about nuclear power as a possible solution.

The skyscrapers of Singapore's central business district are pictured during Earth Hour March 26, 2011.

Singapore also participated in the 2009 Earth Hour. Here, the view of the city skyline still ablaze with building lights before 8.30pm on 28 March 2009.

The Saint Sava cathedral before Earth Hour in Belgrade on March 26, 2011.

A view of Times Square before Earth Hour in New York March 26, 2011.

A view of Times Square during Earth Hour in New York March 26, 2011.

A view of the Las Vegas Strip seen before Earth Hour from the House of Blues Foundation Room inside the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino March 26, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada.