It's "Perth Hour" as Scotland, Australia and Canada link up to switch off for WWF's Earth Hour

Perth in Australia, Scotland and Canada unite to switch off, as cities and towns across the globe prepare to dim their lights for WWF's Earth Hour.

Residents, businesses and schools in Perth in Scotland, Perth in Australia and Perth in Canada will unite by switching off their lights for WWF's Earth Hour 2011, it was announced today

On Saturday 26 March at 8.30pm buildings and landmarks in Perth and throughout Scotland will be plunged into darkness as thousands of people switch off their lights or hold events in the dark to demonstrate support for people and wildlife affected by climate change.

Last year around the world 4,616 cities and towns in 128 countries took part. Earth Hour 2011 is set to be even bigger and better with new countries and territories already registered to take part including Jamaica, Uganda and Swaziland.

Perth in Scotland and Australia will be coordinating to switch off the lights on public buildings, landmarks and their respective concert halls, while Perth in Canada will turn off the Town Hall lights.

A number of Perthshire businesses, schools and organisations are also busy preparing for Earth Hour. More details on those activties and how residents of Perthshire can get involved will be published soon.

WWF Scotland said that Earth Hour 2011 is already on course to be a record in Scotland. Already signed up are the Scottish Government, hundreds of schools, businesses and iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and Falkirk Wheel. Also, for the first time ever, every one of Scotland's 32 local authorities have committed to supporting the global event.

WWF Scotland's Director, Dr Richard Dixon, said:

"WWF's Earth Hour is a fun and simple way for people to show their support for strong action on climate change. Individuals, towns and cities form the backbone of Earth Hour. We are delighted that Perth in Scotland is linking up with others around the world. City leaders have been among our strongest supporters over the past four years and continue to play an important role in engaging their communities to take positive action. WWF's Earth Hour gives cities and towns an opportunity to showcase what their community has done for the environment and commit to the actions they will sustain for earth beyond the hour.

"Across Scotland hundreds of schools, businesses and individuals are getting together to hold a wide range of activities, including torch-lit walks or candle-lit dinner parties. This year we are also asking people to think what they can do beyond the Hour to tackle climate change at home or in their work place and in their community."

The Provost of Perth, Scotland, Dr John Hulbert, said:

"I am delighted we have been able to link up with other Perths around the world for this very worthwhile cause. We have a very good relationship with our namesake towns in both Canada and Australia.

"WWF's Earth Hour serves as a good reminder that wherever we are, we can all do something to support the planet we depend upon to live. Cutting down on the energy we use, not just for Earth Hour, but whenever possible, is something I am sure we can all do in some way. I would encourage everyone to consider what they can do, whether at home or work."

Louisa Jacobs, business development manager for Perth Concert Hall in Scotland, said:

"We work hard to reduce the impacts of our activities through our company goal of Going Green. Turning off the lights for WWF Earth Hour is an opportunity to showcase this commitment on a global stage. We love the idea of 'Perth Hour', sharing our green goals with similar venues and cities across the world and look forward to joining with businesses and communities from Scotland to Canada, Australia and beyond to highlight our collective responsibility to protect our planet."

Perth resident and local Earth Hour volunteer, Namoi Clarke, said:

"It's been really amazing how willing the residents and businesses of Perth seem to be in supporting WWF's Earth Hour. Climate change is a global problem that needs tackled both at a global and at a local level. By linking up Perths around the globe for Earth Hour I hope people will be inspired to do what they can on this issue now and long after the Hour is over."

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[1] WWF's Earth Hour - 8.30pm, Saturday 26 March 2011 For more information about WWF's Earth Hour http://www.wwfscotland.org.uk/earthhour

WWF's Earth Hour lights-out initiative started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. A year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, CN Tower in Toronto, Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome's Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.

In March 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world's largest global climate change initiative.

In March 2010 WWF's Earth Hour became the biggest Earth Hour ever. A record 128 countries and territories joined the global display of climate action. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common - our planet.

Here in Scotland, 29 local authorities, 300 schools and over one hundred businesses and organisations joined in. Some of Scotland's most iconic landmarks went dark including Edinburgh Castle, The Falkirk Wheel, Inverness Castle, the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood House and Kelvingrove Museum.

WWF's Earth Hour 2011 will take place on Saturday 26 March at 8.30PM (local time). This Earth Hour we want you to go beyond the hour, so after the lights go back on think about what else you can do to make a difference. Together our actions add up.

‘Perth Hour’ as Scotland, Australia and Canada all switch off

‘Perth Hour’ will make it’s debut this year alongside the inaugural WWF Earth Hour Awards, as the sister cities of Perth Australia, Scotland and Canada all switch off their lights and pledge to do more “beyond the hour” in a bid to save the planet.

With Earth Hour 2011 fast approaching on Saturday, March 26, at 8.30pm, Awards nominations will close on Sunday, March 6. Nominations can be made online at www.earthhour.org.au

Anyone can take part in the Earth Hour Awards, with five categories drawing on different ways people might take action. A People’s Choice Award will be drawn from the pool of finalists.

Last year’s Earth Hour was celebrated in 4,616 cities and towns in 128 countries and territories, as part of a global movement to inspire people to live more sustainably.

A record number of cities, towns, homes, office buildings, iconic landmarks and public spaces around the world are expected to switch off their lights for one hour as part of the fifth anniversary of Earth Hour, which was first launched by WWF-Australia in Sydney in 2007.

This year, WWF is asking people around the world to go “beyond the hour” and take action to make their lives more sustainable.

“Individuals, towns and cities form the backbone of Earth Hour,” said Andy Ridley, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Earth Hour. “City mayors have been among our strongest supporters and continue to play an important role in engaging their communities to take positive action.

“Earth Hour gives cities and towns an opportunity to showcase what their community has done for the environment and commit to the actions they will sustain for Earth beyond the hour.”

In a unique link-up, Perth in Western Australia will coordinate with Perth in Scotland to switch off the lights at their respective concert halls, while Perth in Canada will turn off its Town Hall lights.

Other landmarks along WA’s Perth city skyline will also be dimmed, including the Bell Tower, Kings Park, the Narrows Bridge decorative lights, and Council House, which is also planning a colourful LED light message after the event urging residents to save energy “beyond the hour”.

“Perth has often been called the City of Light, but turning off our lights for 60 minutes will send out a message that we need to change our ways when it comes to conserving energy,” said WA’s Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi, a committed supporter of Earth Hour since its inception.

“We cannot be in a state of denial about the real impact of climate change. But it goes beyond turning our lights off on one evening – we can all find ways of reducing the impact we are having on the planet.”

WWF-Australia chief executive Dermot O’Gorman said he was proud to be part of a global event originally conceived in Australia.

“The phenomenal thing about Earth Hour is the changes it has inspired people to make in their everyday lives,” Mr O’Gorman said. “It is not about one hour of darkness; it is about a lifetime of sustainability. We know that to create a sustainable planet, we all need to play our small part.

“Australians continue to show leadership on this important issue, therefore we look forward to seeing some of Australia’s best examples of people going beyond the hour.”

Cities can register their participation in the iconic ‘lights out’ event by visiting www.earthhour.org or emailing contact@earthhour.org if interested in becoming an official Earth Hour organiser.

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About Earth Hour

Earth Hour is a global initiative in partnership with WWF. Individuals, businesses, governments and communities are invited to turn out their lights for one hour on Saturday March 26, 2011 at 8:30 PM to show their support for environmentally sustainable action. The event began in Sydney in 2007, when 2 million people switched off their lights. By 2010, Earth Hour had created history as the largest voluntary action ever witnessed with participation across 128 countries and territories and every continent, including the world’s most recognized man-made marvels and natural wonders in a landmark environmental action.

About WWF

WWF is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost five million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.

Notes to editors

Earth Hour 2011 will take place at 8.30pm (various local times), Saturday, 26 March, 2011.

A special Earth Hour ‘60+’ logo reflecting the call to go ‘beyond the hour’ in 2011 can be obtained in hi-res at the following link: http://www.divshare.com/direct/13222108-5e9.zip

Interviews:

To interview Andy Ridley, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Earth Hour, please contact:

Jaya Myler, Earth Hour Global, 0422 202 881, jaya@earthhour.org

Media Contacts:

WWF-Australia Media Officer (NSW) Jonathon Larkin, 0410 221 410, jlarkin@wwf.org.au

WWF-Australia Media Officer (WA) Cortlan Bennett, 0404 700 001, cbennett@wwf.org.au

SCOTTISH COUNTDOWN BEGINS TOWARD WWF’S EARTH HOUR

RECORD PARTICIPATION FORECAST AS 100% OF COUNCILS LEND SUPPORT

With only a month to go, Scotland’s participation in WWF’s annual global Earth Hour initiative looks set to break all records this year, it was announced today (Friday 25 February).

On Saturday 26 March at 8.30pm buildings across Scotland will be plunged into darkness as thousands of people switch off their lights or hold events in the dark to demonstrate support for people and wildlife affected by climate change.

To mark the official countdown, WWF Scotland today revealed that alongside support from the Scottish Government, hundreds of schools, businesses and iconic landmarks such as Edinburgh Castle and Falkirk Wheel that – for the first time ever - every one of Scotland’s 32 local authorities had committed to supporting the global event.

Last year around the world 4,616 cities and towns in 128 countries took part. Earth Hour 2011 is set to be even bigger and better with new countries and territories already registered to take part including Jamaica, Uganda and Swaziland.

Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland said:

“We are well on track to make Scotland’s Earth Hour the biggest and best ever thanks to the support of the Scottish Government and all our local authorities.

“While the world still waits for nations to agree a new legally binding agreement to reduce global climate emissions, we must all continue to encourage more local action to reduce pollution.

“Earth Hour is a fun and simple way for people to show their support for strong action on climate change. Across Scotland hundreds of schools, businesses and individuals are getting together to hold a wide range of activities, including torch-lit walks or candle-lit dinner parties. This year we are also asking people to think what they can do beyond the Hour to tackle climate change at home or in their work place and in their community.”

The event has the support of the Scottish Government, Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP said:

“The Scottish Government is delighted to back WWF's Earth Hour.

"Our world-leading Climate Change Act with its target to cut emissions by 42 per cent by 2020 is challenging but achievable and in doing so we will create a cleaner, greener Scotland with a thriving low carbon economy. We are committed to leading by example and to encouraging others to do the same.

"Every person in Scotland typically contributes twice the global average in terms of greenhouse gas emissions produced as a result of our everyday behaviour. Small changes in our daily lives will not only help reduce emissions but can also contribute towards a healthier lifestyle, improve our environment and offer real financial savings.

"WWF's Earth Hour provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to tackling climate change in a simple yet effective way.”

Meteorologist and former weather presenter Heather Reid is lending her support to WWF's Earth Hour, she said:

“I'm delighted to be supporting WWF's Earth Hour and would encourage as many people as possible to sign up and take part. It's a simple way to send a strong, visual message to decision makers that people care about the impacts of climate change. This year we are asking people to think about what they can do beyond the Hour, this may include walking your children to school rather than taking them by car, or setting up a car-share with work colleagues. Little changes to our day to day routines can make a big difference to our environment."

**FREE PRINT QUALITY PHOTOS OF HEATHER ‘THE WEATHER’ REID FORECASTING RECORD SUPPORT FOR WWF’S EARTH HOUR AVAILABLE AThttp://www.divshare.com/gallery/837510-dff **

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Notes to Editors

[1] WWF's Earth Hour – 8.30pm, Saturday 26 March 2011 For more information about WWF’s Earth Hour http://www.wwfscotland.org.uk/earthhour

WWF’s Earth Hour lights-out initiative started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate change. A year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, CN Tower in Toronto, Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome’s Colosseum, all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.

In March 2009, hundreds of millions of people took part in the third Earth Hour. Over 4000 cities in 88 countries officially switched off to pledge their support for the planet, making Earth Hour 2009 the world’s largest global climate change initiative.

In March 2010 WWF’s Earth Hour became the biggest Earth Hour ever. A record 128 countries and territories joined the global display of climate action. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.

Here in Scotland, 29 local authorities, 300 schools and over one hundred businesses and organisations joined in. Some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks went dark including Edinburgh Castle, The Falkirk Wheel, Inverness Castle, the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood House and Kelvingrove Museum.

WWF’s Earth Hour 2011 will take place on Saturday 26 March at 8.30PM (local time). This Earth Hour we want you to go beyond the hour, so after the lights go back on think about what else you can do to make a difference. Together our actions add up.

[2] Photographs of Heather Reid supporting WWF’s Earth Hour available here

http://www.divshare.com/gallery/837510-dff

For further information, please contact:

Mandy Carter, tel:01350 728226, email: mcarter@wwfscotland.org.uk

Brazilian Mayors Organisation to take part in Earth Hour

The third edition of the movement calling on Brazilians to take part in this huge clamour for a more sustainable way of life will take place on March 26 at 08:30 pm.

Once again Brazil is getting ready for large-scale participation in WWF-Network’s Earth Hour event in which people around the world switch off their lights for 60 minutes in the world’s biggest single mobilisation against global warming. WWF-Brazil will be running the third national edition of the event on March 26 at 8:30 pm.

This Tuesday’s (22) adherence of the Brazilian Mayors Organisation (Frente Nacional de Prefeitos-FNP) to the Earth Hour movement is a great achievement. “It is a tremendous gain in terms of multiplying the initiative among the municipalities. The idea is for Brazil to participate in an intense and creative manner that will put it in a leading position in this worldwide movement”, enthuses WWF-Brazil´s Earth Hour director Regina Cavini.

“It is in the municipalities that people’s daily lives take place. It is essential to take advantage of the power the mayors and municipal authorities have to mobilise and engage their populations. When we manage to get the mobilisation down to the municipal sphere it is reflected in the form of effective changes in society’s behaviour. We are expecting at least 10% of Brazilian municipalities to officially participate in the movement”, declared João Coser, mayor of Vitória (capital of Espirito Santo state) and president of the FNP during the signing ceremony of adherence to the Earth Hour initiative.

The FNP embraces all political parties and brings together around 400 mayors from the City halls of large and medium sized cities and the big metropolitan regions, among which are 26 State Capitals and 11 cities with over a hundred thousand inhabitants, that is, 40% of the entire Brazilian population.

In 2010, Brazilians in 98 cities, including 20 state capitals, switched off their lights to show their concern about the global warming. National icons like the statue of Christ the Redeemer, the famous Cable-stayed Bridge in São Paulo, the National Congress Building and the Amazonas Theatre were all kept in darkness for sixty minutes.

Mobilisation for Earth Hour 2011 has already begun. The site www.horadoplaneta.org.br is already online to provide citizens, companies and organisations with information, and receive comments and suggestions. The advertising agency ‘141 Soho Square’, has developed this years publicity campaign this year producing material to be run in the printed media, and on TV, radio and the internet. “The campaign uses simple language that will find resonance in all spheres of society “, explains 141 Soho Square CEO Mauro Motorin.

The 60+ Platform

Earth Hour continues to gather force as more and more people take on responsibility for demonstrating that it is feasible to confront the threats posed by climate change by means of collective actions. To ensure that the Earth Hour ideals make themselves felt on every day of the year, WWF-Brazil is launching a platform called “60+”, a mobilisation tool designed to involve people in concrete actions that lead them to change their daily habits. This year the “60+” campaign will be focussing on the question of recycling. The idea is to inform and influence Brazilians in regard to the importance of separating and recycling waste and to involve governments, companies and society at large.

About Earth Hour

Earth Hour is a WWF Network global initiative to address climate change. Since it was first run in 2007 the Earth Hour movement has never stopped growing. What began as an isolated event in a single city (Sidney, Australia), has now become a global action involving hundreds of millions of people in more than 4,400 cities and 128 countries.

The first time the event took place, 2 million people switched off their lights. In 2008 more than 50 million people around the world took part. In 2009 when WWF-Brazil ran the Earth Hour event in Brazil for the first time, almost 1 billion people on the planet switched off their lights. Some of the world’s most famous monuments like the pyramids of Egypt, the Eiffel Tower, the Acropolis in Athens and even the city of Las Vegas were kept in darkness for sixty minutes.

About WWF-Brazil

WWF-Brazil is a Brazilian non-governmental organization dedicated to the conservation of nature aiming to harmonize human activity with biodiversity conservation and to promote the rational use of natural resources for the benefit of current and future generations. WWF-Brazil was created in 1996 in Brasilia and has several projects all over the country and is part of the International Network Environmental Organization WWF, which works in more than 100 countries and counts on the support of around 5 million people worldwide, including associates and volunteers.

WWF-Brasil Press Services:
Maristela Pessoa: + 55 (61)3364-7464 - maristela@wwf.org.br
Denise Oliveira: Head of Comms: + 55 (61) 3364.7497 – doliveira@wwf.org.br

www.wwf.org.br