Environmental Management

The Scottish Government Celebrates WWF’s Earth Hour

March 15, 2016 by Graeme Curran No Comments | Category Energy

On Saturday 19 March 2016, at 8.30pm The Scottish Government will join millions across the world to celebrate WWF’s Earth Hour and switch off their lights for one hour to show they care about the future of our brilliant planet.

By joining the global celebration, The Scottish Government will take part in a symbolic moment, not designed to have impact through an hour of energy saving, but to help put a spotlight on the issues facing the planet and to remind us that, together, we have the power to make change happen.

The future of our planet is at risk, particularly from the effects of climate change. Many of the world’s most threatened species like tigers and orang-utans live in areas that will be severely affected by climate change. For many, WWF’s Earth Hour is a chance to show they care about our brilliant planet and is the first step to helping to protect its future.

To celebrate the global event, the Scottish Government will be:

• Switching off all non-essential lights at St Andrews House, Saughton House and Victoria Quay in Edinburgh and Atlantic Quay in Glasgow at 8.30pm on 19 March for one hour
• Encouraging our staff to sign up to participate in earth hour through a news article on our intranet
• Encouraging our Environmental Champions network to engage with the staff they work with to raise awareness of Earth Hour and WWF’s vital conservation work

Jennifer Clements, spokesperson for WWF-UK, said: “We’re thrilled that The Scottish Government will be taking part in WWF’s Earth Hour this year and hope that they’ll inspire many others to get involved. By taking one simple step to switch off, WWF’s Earth Hour is a chance for all of us to come together and send out a global message about protecting our planet.”

Over the last decade, WWF’s Earth Hour’s unique display of darkness has become a global phenomenon with hundreds of millions of individuals coming together each year. In 2015, a record-breaking 172 countries and some of world’s most famous buildings including Big Ben, Hong Kong’s skyline and the Sydney Harbour Bridge joined the global celebration. In the UK alone, over 10 million people took part, along with over 4,800 schools, 200 landmarks and thousands of businesses and organisations.

Everyone can join the celebration for WWF’s Earth Hour on Saturday 19 March 2016. For more information and to sign up please visit wwf.org.uk/earthhour

Join in the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #EarthHourUK and @wwf_uk, @wwfscotland and follow the Scottish Government’s Environmental Management Team @ScotgovEMT

Tags: #edinburgh, #environment, 2016, Earth, Glasgow, Hour, Scotland, WWF

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