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Earth Hour 2025: A Global Stand For The Planet

At 8:30 pm on Saturday, 22 March 2025, millions around the world will switch off their lights for one hour in a symbolic act of environmental solidarity. Earth Hour, organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), has grown into a powerful global movement since its inception in 2007. This year, iconic landmarks from London to Liverpool will go dark, reminding us of the urgent need to tackle climate change and protect our planet’s natural resources.

Why Earth Hour Matters

What began as a local initiative in Sydney, Australia, with 2.2 million participants, has now spread to over 190 countries. Earth Hour is more than just turning off lights—it’s a call to action. By participating, individuals, businesses, and governments signal their commitment to a sustainable future.

This year’s campaign continues to emphasize the interconnected crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, encouraging communities to rethink consumption habits, reduce energy use, and adopt eco-conscious practices.

Larnaca Joins The Global Movement

In Cyprus, Larnaca is taking an active role in Earth Hour 2025. From 8:30 to 9:30 pm, the city will turn off the lights of the Kamara Monument and Salina Park, urging residents to do the same. More than a symbolic gesture, Larnaca’s participation aligns with the ‘Zero Food Waste’ initiative, reinforcing the importance of mindful consumption and reducing food waste.

“As part of this campaign, we are sending a strong message to protect our planet and promote sustainable habits,” the municipality stated, highlighting its commitment to raising awareness and encouraging responsible environmental practices.

How To Get Involved

Joining Earth Hour is simple—just switch off your lights for 60 minutes. But the impact goes beyond that. Here are a few meaningful ways to take part:

  • Spend time outdoors, appreciating nature without screens.
  • Host a candle-lit dinner with locally sourced, sustainable food.
  • Take the opportunity to unplug from digital devices and reflect on ways to reduce your environmental footprint.
  • Engage in discussions with friends and family about sustainability and small changes that can make a difference.

A Symbolic Gesture With Real Impact

Earth Hour serves as a powerful reminder that collective action matters. From the London Eye to Larnaca’s Kamara Monument, cities across the world are standing together in the fight against climate change. Whether through energy conservation, reducing waste, or supporting eco-friendly policies, every step counts toward building a more sustainable future.

Will you switch off for Earth Hour?

Alpha Bank Reports Strong Underlying Q1 Performance Despite Capital Pressure

Robust Operational Performance

Alpha Bank’s first quarter 2026 report demonstrates a solid operational foundation, as confirmed by analyses from leading institutions such as Citi, JPMorgan, Jefferies, and Deutsche Bank. Despite an accounting impact from extraordinary one-off costs, the bank’s commercial momentum remains unmistakable, driven notably by fee income and resilient net interest margins.

Capital Position And Extraordinary Items

Quarterly results were weighed down by a lower-than-expected capital ratio and a €47 million expense linked to a voluntary exit program affecting around 350 employees. As a result, net profit totaled €182 million, falling 9% below market consensus. At the same time, the restructuring initiative is expected to generate annual savings of approximately €15 million.

Operating Metrics And Investor Insights

Analysts highlighted the strength of Alpha Bank’s underlying operations after adjusting for extraordinary items. Adjusted net profit reached €221 million, exceeding market expectations by 2%. Fee income increased 29% year-on-year to €140 million, supported by higher revenue from business lending fees, insurance services, investment banking and wealth management activities. Performing exposures and assets under management also reached record levels during the quarter, reinforcing the bank’s efforts to diversify revenue streams beyond interest income.

Market Valuation And Sector Commentary

Market commentary following the results remained broadly positive despite pressure on some balance-sheet metrics. JPMorgan described the quarter as showing underlying strength, while Deutsche Bank and Jefferies maintained buy recommendations with target prices reaching €4.85. At the same time, analysts continued to monitor pressure on net interest margins and dilution in common equity tier 1 ratios as banks adapt to changing market conditions.

Strategic Outlook

Alpha Bank is expected to provide additional details on its medium-term strategy during its investor day scheduled for the second half of 2026. Key areas of focus are expected to include the sustainability of fee income growth, capital trajectory management and shareholder returns. The bank has also maintained its earnings per share target of €0.40 for 2026, representing projected year-on-year growth of 11%.

First-quarter results highlighted Alpha Bank’s ability to maintain operational momentum despite pressure from one-off costs and capital-related challenges. Growth in fee-based activities and continued expansion in assets under management also reflected the bank’s broader effort to strengthen revenue diversification across its business segments.

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