Glasgow landmarks sign up for WWF's Earth Hour
17 March 2009
At 8.30pm on Saturday 28 March the people of Glasgow will join millions across the globe in switching off their lights for 60 minutes in a graphic demonstration of support for determined international action on climate change.
Glasgow City Council confirmed that it will mark WWF’s Earth Hour by switching off the floodlights on the Council's City Chambers, statues in George Square, the Clyde Arc, the Mitchell library and a number of other council buildings yet to be identified.
With the countdown well and truly on, citizens, businesses and public authorities in 930 cities across 80 countries have already committed to turning off their lights for one hour. Some of the most recognised landmarks on the planet are switching off their lights too including: the Forth Bridge, Edinburgh Castle, Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.
Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland said:
“It is great news Glasgow has given its backing to WWF's Earth Hour 2009. 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.
“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. Closer to home, Scotland’s Climate Change Bill has the potential to lead the world. We hope that the support shown in this country for WWF’s Earth Hour will inspire our politicians to make the bill world leading.”
“WWF’s Earth Hour is a simple way for people to show their support for strong action on climate change. Glasgow City Council's decision to join WWF's Earth Hour highlights their commitment to this issue and demonstrates to others around the world that Scotland is willing to take action to address climate change."
Glasgow City Council’s Executive member for Sustainability and the Environment, Councillor Irfan Rabbani, said:
“Glasgow has the potential to be one of Britain and Europe’s most sustainable cities; and this event is symbolic of our determination to work towards that goal in all areas of city life - in government, in business and in our own homes.
“Of course, we won’t achieve that balance of environmental, social and economic sustainability in one hour. However, we can use this time to think, as a community, about our impact on the earth and how we can all contribute to a cleaner, healthier, safer future.”
