Political parties unite in support of WWF's Earth Hour
26 March 2009
Moment of political unity in support of action on climate change.
The leaders of each one of Scotland's main political parties today (Thursday 26 March) united in support of international action on climate change by giving their backing WWF's Earth Hour - which will take place at 8:30pm this Saturday. [1] The show of political unity by Annabel Goldie MSP, Patrick Harvie MSP, Iain Gray MSP, Tavish Scott MSP and Alex Salmond MSP MP also comes ahead an Earth Hour motion debate in the Scottish Parliament today. [2] This Saturday 28 March at 8:30pm politicians from each of the main political parties will join millions across the globe in switching off their lights for 60 minutes - WWF's Earth Hour - in a graphic demonstration of support for determined international action on climate change. So far 1,800 cities and towns in more than 80 countries have already signed up and the numbers are growing daily. Some of Scotland's most iconic landmarks will go dark, including: Edinburgh Castle, the Forth Bridge, Eilean Donan Castle, Inverness Castle and the Scottish Parliament. Further afield, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Table Mountain in Cape Town, Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the CN Tower in Toronto are switching off. Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland said: "This is a vital year in the race to solve the problem of climate change, both internationally and at home. It is absolutely fantastic to have each one of Scotland's political party leaders give their backing to WWF's Earth Hour. It promises to be the biggest show of support ever for global action on climate change." Annabel Goldie MSP, Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, said: "I am delighted to be able to support WWF's Earth Hour. I think it is very important that we all do what we can to change our world for the better and that can involve many actions from recycling, to using our cars less, to switching off lights when we leave a room. If we all just make little changes, it will make a big difference." Patrick Harvie MSP, Convenor of the Scottish Green Party, said: "WWF's Earth Hour is an important statement about individual commitment, but it's also a message from concerned citizens to their governments which have been making impressive speeches about climate change but still pursuing business-as-usual policies. We have little time left to change direction toward a greener future and it's vital that governments, including the Scottish and UK Governments, hear that message loud and clear." Iain Gray MSP, Labour leader at the Scottish Parliament, said: "I think WWF's Earth Hour is a great idea. I'll probably light a couple of candles with my wife and get out our wind-up radio. People want to feel they can make a difference and get involved. Credit, then, to WWF for showing the way for everyone, no matter what their circumstances, with this simple and effective measure." Tavish Scott MSP, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader, said: "This is a very worthy initiative. I am sure that Scots will recognise the symbolism of so many national icons joining WWF's campaign to highlight the importance of tackling climate change. I hope that many Scots will join in and switch off their own lights for an hour." Alex Salmond MSP MP, SNP Leader and Scotland's First Minister, said: "I'm delighted to back WWF's Earth Hour to help Scots go greener in 2009, which the Scottish Government are participating in. It is essential for all of us to think of how we can cut harmful emissions and help tackle climate change. And as well as helping our environment, going green saves cash - something that is becoming more and more important in the face of the current economic climate. By uniting on this issue we can all make Scotland greener." Editor's notes [1] WWF's Earth Hour - 8.30pm, Saturday 28 March 2009 WWF's Earth Hour lights-out initiative began in Sydney, Australia in 2007 as an awareness-raising exercise. In 2008, it went spectacularly global when more than 50 million people in more than 270 cities in over 35 countries turned off their lights for one hour in March. This year WWF's Earth Hour will be even bigger with towns and cities signing up across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. To see who has signed-up: http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/earthhour/who_signups/scotland/ For more information visit: [2] An Earth Hour motion debate will take place today (Thursday 26 March after 5.00 pm) Members’ Business - S3M-3349 Shirley-Anne Somerville: Earth Hour 2009 (for text of motion see Section F of the Business Bulletin for Monday 2 February 2009) S3M-3349# Shirley-Anne Somerville: Earth Hour 2009-That the Parliament supports WWF’s Earth Hour 2009, which aims to encourage millions of people worldwide and across Scotland to switch off their lights for an hour at 8.30 pm on Saturday 28 March 2009, to send a powerful global message that we care enough about climate change to take action and demonstrate widespread public support for an equitable, binding and scientifically credible global deal on climate change and, in Scotland, strong Scottish climate change legislation; considers that 2009 is a critical year for action on climate change with a new global deal to be agreed in Copenhagen in December; acknowledges the opportunity for Scotland to take a global lead with the most progressive legislation in the world through a strong Climate Change (Scotland) Bill; recognises that the global deal must address the historical responsibility of the United Kingdom and other developed countries as major contributors to climate change; commends local government in Edinburgh alongside the many individuals who are early signatories to support WWF’s Earth Hour in Scotland, and further considers that the Scottish and UK governments are in an ideal position to take a proactive, progressive and leading role throughout the 2009 negotiations.
http://www.wwfscotland.org.uk/earthhour
