Meriden MP, Dame Caroline Spelman has signed up to support WWF’s tenth Earth Hour by making a special pledge to help protect the planet. The world is changing – fast – and it’s never been more important to show support for action on climate change.
Dame Caroline, who hosted this year’s WWF’s Parliamentary reception, was joined by cross party MPs in the House of Commons ahead of the global lights out event on Saturday 25 March at 8:30pm. Earth Hour Heroes is supported by the players of the Peoples’ Postcode Lottery who joined the event.
For the tenth consecutive year, Earth Hour is sending a united message that this is a pivotal time for our planet and more needs to be done to tackle climate change and build a sustainable future.
Speaking at the event, Dame Caroline said: “It’s my privilege to host and support Earth Hour’s parliamentary reception today as we approach Earth Hour’s prestigious 10th Birthday!
“In November 2016 I sponsored a Westminster Hall Debate on Global Decline in Biodiversity following release of the WWF Living Planet Report. This showed that from 1970-2012 there has been a 58% decline in vertebrate numbers, and it is now estimated that climate change could lead to extinction of 1 in 6 species. Coupled with habitat destruction, changes to weather patterns and natural environments are occurring quicker than wildlife or people can adapt.
“The Government is taking concerted action. The enacting of the Climate Change Act in 2008 placed the UK in the vanguard as demonstrated by Parliament’s approval of the 5th Carbon budget back in July, followed by the Prime Minister ratifying the Paris Agreement in December 2016.
“Nevertheless, we must continue to be bold and keep up efforts to protect and restore our natural environment. And, we must keep reminding those around us to join in marking the annual Earth Hour day on the 25th March as we reflect on the impacts of climate change, and the choices we must make together to address it”.
Each year, millions of people around the world come together to call for action to protect our brilliant planet. Last year a record 178 countries took part and iconic landmarks across the UK switched out their lights, from Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, to Brighton Pier, Edinburgh Castle and Caerphilly Castle. This year is set to be the biggest yet as it’s the 10 year anniversary of Earth Hour. With 2016 breaking temperature records for the third consecutive year, it’s never been more important to tackle climate change.
Naomi Hicks, Head of WWF UK’s Earth Hour, said: “We are at a real crossroads when it comes to our planet’s future. We all need to act and do what we can to protect our planet from the impacts of climate change. That’s why it’s great that MPs are giving their support to this year’s campaign and we hope they will inspire many others in their constituencies and communities to sign up get involved on 25th March.”
Everyone can join in WWF’s Earth Hour on Saturday 25 March 2017. For more information and to sign up please visit wwf.org.uk/2017earthhour