Alison McInnes MSP Backs WWF's Earth Hour

12.00.00am GMT Mon 16th Mar 2009

Alison supports WWF Earth Hour campaign

Alison McInnes, North East Scotland MSP today publicly backed WWF's Earth Hour initiative and urged constituents, local businesses and organisations to also sign-up to the big switch off later this month.

On Saturday 28 March at 8.30pm individuals, businesses and public authorities in over 930 cities across 80 countries will turn off their lights for one hour in a graphic show of support for decisive action on climate change.

Across the world landmarks taking part include Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Table Mountain in Cape Town, Nelson's Column in London and Christ the Redeemer statute in Rio de Janeiro. Here in Scotland, iconic landmarks already committed to switching off include the Forth Bridge, Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Parliament.

2009 is a crucial year for climate change with world leaders meeting in Copenhagen in December to agree a new international climate deal that will come into force when the first phase of the Kyoto treaty expires in 2012. The Scottish Climate Change Bill is also currently making its way through Parliament.

Mrs McInnes said:

"In support of the WWF initiative I would urge everyone in my constituency to switch off lighting sources for one hour on the evening of Saturday 28 March to show their commitment to the environment."

Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland said:

"WWF's Earth Hour is a simple way for people to show their support for strong action on climate change. We very much welcome the support of MSPs and the participation of the Scottish Parliament itself. It promises to be the biggest show of support ever, involving communities from around the world in a dramatic hour of action on climate change."