EDINBURGH SWITCHES OFF TO SUPPORT EARTH HOUR
Lights will go out at iconic sites across Edinburgh this Saturday night in support of the Earth Hour 2013 global call for action on tackling climate change.
St John’s Church on Princes Street, Castle Rock, and Calton Hill’s National Monument and Burns Monument will be plunged into darkness as part of a worldwide bid to raise awareness of the importance of creating a more sustainable future.
Since Earth Hour was set up by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 2007, millions of people and organisations across the globe have signed up to switch off lights in a show of support. And as a reward for its support of the scheme, the City of Edinburgh Council has just been given an Earth Hour Super Local Authority Badge by WWF Scotland.
The Rt Hon Donald Wilson, Lord Provost of Edinburgh who has long been a champion of environmental protection, said:- “Climate change is an important issue which we cannot ignore, and Earth Hour is a fantastic reminder of how we need to be aware of how vital it is that we protect our environment.
“Our Sustainable Lighting Strategy was set up in 2012 and aims to reduce energy use and minimise light pollution, and has led to monument lighting being reduced across the city, as well as low energy electric street lighting.
“We can all play a part in being kinder to the environment, and any action, however small – such as switching lights off at home for one hour – contributes to the bigger picture.”
Lang Banks, Director of WWF Scotland said:- “It is great news that Edinburgh has given its backing once again to WWF’s Earth Hour 2013. Already it’s looking to be another great year with communities up and down the country joining together with others from around the world in a dramatic hour of action on climate change.
“WWF’s Earth Hour is a simple way for people to show their support for strong action on climate change. Edinburgh Council’s decision to join WWF’s Earth Hour highlights commitment to this issue. We hope lots of individuals, community groups and local organisations feel inspired to take part too.”
For more information about how to get involved in Earth Hour, log on at www.wwfscotland.org.uk/earthhour
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
