SNP backs Earth Hour

People across Scotland are being urged to turn off their lights and join people across the country for WWFs Earth Hour campaign.

First Minister Alex Salmond has given his support to the campaign and SNP MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville will lead a members debate in Parliament tonight calling on MSPs, Parliament, Government and people and businesses across Scotland to turn off their lights for one hour this Saturday night (28th March) from 8.30 to 9.30 to demonstrate support for international action against Climate Change.

Alex Salmond MSP MP, SNP Leader and Scotland's First Minister, said:

"I'm delighted to back WWF's Earth Hour to help Scots go greener in 2009, which the Scottish Government are participating in. It is
essential for all of us to think of how we can cut harmful emissions and help tackle climate change. And as well as helping our environment, going green saves cash - something that is becoming more and more important in the face of the current economic climate. By uniting on this issue we can all make Scotland greener."

The Scottish Government is currently proposing world leading climate change legislation to cut Scotland's carbon emissions.

Scottish landmarks participating in the event include the Forth Bridge, the Scottish Parliament, Eilean Donan Castle, Inverness Castle.

Lothians MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville said:

“Earth Hour is a massive global project which sends a powerful message about the need to take action on climate change.

"With the Government, Parliament and major landmarks joining in Earth Hour will have a real visual impact.

"Scotland can be at the front of action against climate change with tough targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions and a world leading Climate Change bill to enforce action.

"By participating in this global switch-off, we raise awareness of the need to think about our own energy usage and its impact on the climate.

‘With up to a billion people expected to take part Earth Hour 2009 promises to be a spectacular event uniting people and communities across the globe.”