Wendy switches off on Saturday… in support of WWF’s Earth Hour

Wendy Alexander MSP will join millions of people around the world in switching their non-essential lights off for one hour from 8.30pm on Saturday 28th March in support of WWF’s Earth Hour 2009.

Wendy said:

“Saturday 8.30pm is not an ideal time to have to switch the lights off. I have arranged a belated birthday dinner for my husband – so I am having to warn other guests it will be candlelight for at least some of the evening! But being inconvenienced in however a small way, helps you think about climate change and the world we are leaving to our children. I am proud to be part of something that is really global – 930 cities, 80 countries – think about joining in that global effort wherever you are on Saturday evening.

In the Scottish Parliament the Climate Change Bill will dominate our debates this Spring. I and my Labour colleagues are pressing the SNP to strengthen the measures to tackle climate change in the Bill. Labour at Westminster has led the world with the Climate Change Act passed last year which sets down rigorous emissions targets.

But this is about more than governments, it is about what we all do – and this weekend’s ‘switch off’ is one way all of us can be part of it.

Individuals, businesses and public authorities in over 930 cities, across 80 countries, will participate in the switch off in a graphic display of support for decisive action on climate change. From the Sydney Opera House to the Scottish Parliament, the world’s great landmarks will be going dark. I want all Renfrewshire’s landmark buildings – including the Abbey, the Town Hall and the Museum to play their part – so I have written to the Council asking them to join in.”