The Earth Hour City Challenge initiative has been created to celebrate cities that are creating greener, cleaner and more sustainable cities to live in, while inspiring other cities to do the same.

The 17 finalists were selected from 66 entrants and include cities from Canada, India, and the US. One city per country will be presented with the title of Earth Hour Capital, with the jury, which includes ICLEI Secretary General Gino Van Begin, focusing on cities that have developed credible plans for low-carbon development that also meet the needs of their citizens.

The national Earth Hour Capitals and the Global Earth Hour Capital will be selected by the international jury and highlighted in an international award ceremony on March 19.

A tour including interesting sustainability sites in both Malmö and Copenhagen is available for 50 conference attendees on 20 March 2012.