Lights out – global Earth Hour campaign launches in Canberra

On 31 March 2007, 2.2 million people and 2,100 Sydney businesses turned off their lights for one hour – Earth Hour – reducing Sydney’s energy consumption by 10.2% for that hour. At 8pm on Saturday 29 March 2008, Canberra will join other cities around the world in switching off its lights for one hour to take a stand against global warming.

The ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope launched Earth Hour in Canberra at the Mount Stromlo Observatory on Friday 15 February.

Canberra joins many cities around the globe participating in Earth Hour 2008, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Chicago, Toronto, Tel Aviv, Copenhagen, Christchurch, Manila and Suva.

“Earth Hour 2008, with its international contingent, hopes to spread the message that reducing the world’s emissions is a shared global responsibility,” said WWF-Australia CEO Greg Bourne. “WWF-Australia is inviting towns, cities and communities around the world to sign on.

“Earth Hour is about taking simple steps everyday that collectively reduce carbon emissions – from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby.”

ActewAGL CEO John Mackay said, “ActewAGL is committed to environmentally sustainable practices and we’re proud to demonstrate this commitment by being a major supporter of the Earth Hour initiative, along with WWF-Australia, The Canberra Times, Canberra CBD Limited and the ACT Government.

“The success of Earth Hour depends largely on the participation of each city’s corporate sector. We are anticipating fantastic support from Canberra’s business community to help make Earth Hour a huge success both locally and internationally.

“Its also important to remember that the greenest unit of energy is the one that we don't use at all.”

Mr Stanhope said, “Earth Hour sends a powerful message – that each of us can help combat climate change through the actions we take and the behaviours we change in our own lives.

“I encourage all Canberrans to demonstrate our city’s commitment to the issue of climate change by getting behind this movement and switching off for one hour, Earth Hour, on Saturday 29 March.”

Sign up online and contact the ACT Earth Hour Team at earthhour@actewagl.com.au for further information.

Suva hotel joins Earth Hour and practices energy reduction

SUVA: JJ's on the park, one of Suva’s leading boutique hotel and restaurant, has pledged their support for the WWF lead Earth Hour event by organising a candle light dinner for its guests and the public on Saturday 29th March, 2008.
Peter Mazey, JJ's on the Park General Manager said: "JJ’s has for some time looked for ways in which we as a hotel and in which our guests can work at reducing their carbon footprint.”

"On Saturday 29th March a newsletter will be given to all hotel guests giving details of Earth Hour and asking all to participate. We will be advertising and promoting for people to join us for a Candle Light dinner."

“At the appointed hour we will be switching off all outside lights and will only have gas lanterns going. Only emergency lights will be on in the hotel and candles will be delivered to all guest rooms to enable their own participation," he added.

"In addition to our normal menu guests at dinner will be offered blackboard specials incorporating locally grown products."

This event will mark the beginning of an annual event for JJ's and they have also taken the initiative to inform their guests and all staff about the need to cut down on their energy use. The hotel has already taken the necessary steps from a professional consultant to advice them on ways to cut down on their energy consumption.

"In 2004 we employed an Electrical Engineering consultant to completely analyze our energy use in particular our electrical use. The result was a report with recommendations of simple actions such as removing a number of surplus light bulbs and we were able to reduce our electricity consumption. Our hall ways and restaurant had far too many light bulbs. Where possible light bulbs have been replaced with energy saving bulbs."

"We do promote energy saving principles and an interesting example of this is what we call our “energy patrol” whereby every night our room service staff go around the hotel and into all vacant rooms just to ensure that all lights are turned off and all air conditioners are off. This has assisted us in creating major savings in our electrical usage and wastage," Mazey said.

All businesses including hotels and restaurants are encouraged to join the Earth Hour campaign and look at their footprint. Earth Hour will commence on the 29th of March where the City of Suva will be the first city in the world to switch off and the only city from the South Pacific to do so.

Simon Bryant spearheads Earth Hour in 2008

As Earth Hour draws closer, the Adelaide City Council has recruited organisations across the City to get behind this global initiative.

The Hilton Adelaide is the latest to join the growing list with Earth Hour ambassador and Head Chef at the Hilton, Simon Bryant, throwing his support behind the event.

A leading Adelaide chef and media personality, Simon is encouraging other businesses in Adelaide to reduce their carbon emissions during 2008 and begin by switching off their lights on March 29 for an hour at 8pm.

He is putting his words into action by hosting an exclusive dinner by candlelight at the Hilton Brasserie restaurant on March 29.

Simon has also identified the kitchen as one of the biggest energy-guzzling rooms within the home and therefore, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

"As Autumn approaches we start to look at preparing delicious food incorporating the flavours of the season but it’s also a time to make a few changes towards a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle," said Simon. The average Australian home produces about half a tonne of greenhouse gas each year from energy used for cooking, according to the Australia Government’s Greenhouse Office.

Simon’s 10 tips for energy smart cooking:
1. Choose a fridge or freezer that’s the right size for you – they operate more efficiently when filled to the correct capacity
2. Keep the fridge temperature between 3 and 40C and the freezer between -15 and -18 degrees celcius
3. To save water in the kitchen, wash vegetables in a small amount of water in sink, rather than under a running tap
4. Avoid using in-sink garbage disposal units – compost instead
Avoid gas flames spilling up the sides of pots – turn the burner down to keep flames on the bottom.
5. Thaw food in the fresh food compartment of the fridge before cooking
6. If cooking in the oven, avoid opening the door unnecessarily and consider cooking several things at once
7. Make sure your fridge rubber seals are effective by placing a piece of paper in the door and checking if it is held firmly
8. Fan forced ovens generate up to 35 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional ovens, and more items can be cooked at the same time as the heat is more evenly distributed
9. A family fridge with an extra star on its rating label cuts greenhouse gas emissions by more than 100 kilograms each year. Over its lifetime it will save $200 in running costs
10. Don’t forget to ride your bike to do your shopping at the market!

OPW Minister makes EarthHour commitment

In the Dail (Irish Parliament) the Minister responsible for the Office of Public Works (OPW for short) has just agreed to participate in the Earth Hour 2008 campaign. The OPW provides accommodation for Government services and manages and maintains the State's property portfolio not just in Dublin but, throughout the country. We can expect iconic landmarks such as the Custom House on the Quays and Government Buildings to switch off on March 29th.

Support for the campaign is steadily growing now as both Limerick City and Galway City councils are supporting this initiative. A big thanks to Kieran Walsh in Limerick for his efforts

Earth Hour Corporate Breakfast - Tues 4th March 2008

Date: Tuesday 4th March

Venue: Melbourne Town Hall, Swanston St

Time: 7:30-9am

Cost: $1,500 for four tickets
($1360 is tax deductible as a donation to WWF-Australia)


Hosted by:

• Lord Mayor, John So
• Mr Don Churchill, Chief Executive & Publisher, The Age

Guest speakers / attendees include:

• Greg Bourne CEO, WWF-Australia
• Tony Wood, General Manager, Public and Government Affairs, Origin Energy
• Suzanne Kerwan, Director ibm.com, Australia and New Zealand
• Hamish and Andy, Austereo

For bookings call Annette Brook on 03 9650 8800 or
Register online at: www.about.theage.com.au/earthhour


On the 29th March at 8pm, Melbourne will help to fight global warming by being part of Earth Hour 2008, when every major Australian capital city and over 20 others around the world will turn off city lights for one hour.

Earth Hour is part of a long term process to inspire people to make simple changes on a daily basis leading to a reduction in emissions of 5% over one year.

Your attendance at the following lead-up event will demonstrate corporate Melbourne's unified support for taking action against global warming.

This is a WWF fundraising event. All proceeds will go towards Earth Hour initiatives across the Melbourne industry sectors and the broader community.

Earth Hour in Fiji globally marks the urgency for action on climate change

A similar global effort to Earth Hour took place three years ago with the launch the Kyoto Protocol. This month marks the third anniversary of the Kyoto Protocol.

At the 13^th United Nations climate change conference in Indonesia in December 2007, countries around the world agreed to negotiate, under the Kyoto Protocol, global emissions reductions targets for the period after the year 2012. The target of the Kyoto Protocol is to achieve a 5% reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions based on 1990 levels by the year 2012.

WWF South Pacific Programme (SPPO) Climate Change Campaigner, Ms. Jyotishma Rajan Naicker said: “People argue that current targets under the Protocol are inadequate. However, the Kyoto Protocol, as a legally binding agreement, is an important first step in addressing the root cause of climate change- emissions of gases like carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels.”

“In order to avoid the dangerous levels of climate change, global emissions must decline by 60-85% by 2050, based on 1990 levels. Many governments do no want to adopt this target as they feel it will impact their fossil fuel based industries negatively,” added Naicker.

“This is however not true. Switching from fossil fuel based industries to renewable energy industries will result in job creation and contribute positively to economies.”

Climate change poses a very serious problem for Pacific Island economies, environment and livelihoods. Pacific Island countries are already experiencing serious impacts of climate change like more frequent droughts and cyclones, higher king tides and subsequent losses in agriculture, infrastructure damage, increased incidence of diseases and greater coastal erosion.

Pacific Island countries, including Fiji, must play very active roles in the United Nations climate change policy negotiations to ensure that negotiations continue to take place under the Kyoto Protocol, are based on science and ensure that the outcomes adequately address Pacific Island priorities.

The Kyoto Protocol’s 3^rd anniversary comes just over a month before a WWF event- Earth Hour. Suva will be the first city in the world to switch off its lights on March 29^th, from 8-9pm, to make a stand on climate change.

Suva city leads global climate campaign

14 February 2008 - Suva will join major cities around the world on March 29 at 8 p.m. when it turns off its lights for one hour – an event known as Earth Hour – to symbolize that governments, businesses and people can make a difference in the fight against global warming.

Earth Hour began last March in Sydney in 2007 when 2.2 million people and 2100 Sydney businesses turned off their lights for one hour. The event is going global this year, and includes more than 20 cities, including Tel Aviv, Copenhagen, Chicago, Toronto, Manila and Tel Aviv.

The Lord Mayor of Suva, Honourable Ratu Peni Volavola said, “We urge our fellow citizens to not waste electricity and to show that our city is committed to the fight against climate change. As a nation of islands we are more vulnerable to rising sea levels, particularly for smaller islands and atolls, where rising sea levels are felt more acutely, causing alarm to so many people.”

The mayor added, “I’m proud that the people of Fiji will join this international event, and I encourage all businesses and residences to participate. Although our emissions are perhaps a “drop in the ocean” compared to those of more developed and bigger countries, our actions will remind them that if we can make this commitment, then it is all the more reason why they also commit themselves to this noble cause. After all, we share the same planet."

Ashwini Prabha, the WWF SPPO Communications Coordinator, said the response from the businesses asked to participate so far has been good. “The businesses we’ve contacted have been very enthusiastic, and we are reaching out to as many companies as we can.”

The event will include a public ceremony in Suva city that will be both informative and entertaining, said Ms. Prabha. “People in Sydney at last year’s Earth Hour really enjoyed themselves,” she said. “Restaurants organised candlelit dinners, people took picnics in places where they could enjoy seeing the spectacle of the city’s lights going off when the event started. We expect the people of Suva will add their own Pacific flair to the event to make it a memorable occasion.”

Suva is the only city in the Pacific Islands Region that is participating in the event, said Ms. Prabha. “Since Suva will be the first city in the world to turn off its lights for the event,” she said, “we expect it will draw good attention from the world’s media, making people around the world more aware about the threats of climate change to Pacific Island countries, as well bring good publicity in general to the city and Fiji.”

She added that Earth Hour 2008 is just a start. “We expect this will be an annual event, with more cities in Fiji, the Pacific and the world joining in. And with the awareness and excitement created, governments, businesses and people will be taking positive steps in everyday life to prevent the climate changes that threaten our islands, our lives, and our identities.”

Dale Withington, the WWF South Pacific Programme Representative said that Earth Hour 2008 will spread the message that tackling climate change is a shared global responsibility.

“Pacific Island countries emit only a very small percentage of such gases globally, but we all have to do our part,” he said. “If people are in a sinking boat, everyone bails the water, some with big buckets, some with cups, and some with their hands. Everyone has to contribute to make a difference. In regards to dealing with the threat of climate change, some of the countries with the largest buckets, so to speak, are not yet doing enough. But events such as Earth Hour create a lot of awareness and enthusiasm and moral pressure for change.”

Dublin, leads the way

Dublin is the first city in Ireland to embrace the spirit of the global campaign of Earth Hour 2008. The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Paddy Bourke has been instrumental in gaining the support of city council representatives to endorse the campaign. He is now working with the city council officials and the Chamber of Commerce in Dublin, to raise awareness of the campaign and to ensure that the campaign secures support from the business community. It is hoped that this won't be just an exercise for 1 hour here in the City Council but will be the beginning of an ongoing drive to reduce energy consumption into the future

"I am thrilled that as Dublin Lord Mayor, I will be leading our capital city in its I would urge businesses and homes to join in and take part in the campaign.", said the Dublin Lord Mayor. "This campaign is important and everyone from citizens up to Government has a duty to do what they can against global warming. It is up to us all to do what we can to reduce our CO2 emissions. Through one simple action, turning off our lights for an hour, we can deliver a powerful message about the need for action.” the Lord Mayor, Paddy Bourke added.

Over on the southside of Dublin county, the Mayor or Cathaoirleach of DunLaoghaire-Rathdown County Council,Denis O'Callaghan has successfully gained the support of local authority officials in working towards Earth Hour 2008.

Peter Coyle has been instrumental in getting the support of Fingal County Council which covers the north and west of the greater Dublin area. And a big thanks to Eamon Tuffy in South Dublin County council.

Whilst Dublin is the leading city here we can’t ignore the progress being made in other towns and cities. Over in the West, thanks to a former Lord Mayor of Galway, Billy Cameron, Galway City council has agreed to “enter into the spirit of the campaign” and the support of the business community is currently being sought.

We are still waiting on updates from Cork and Limerick, where the local authorities have yet to make a final decision on supporting the Earth Hour campaign. Fingers crossed we will have a successful outcome from council meetings on Feb.25^th when Limerick City, Wicklow County and Kildare County will also consider lending their support.

Bangkok, Dublin and San Francisco join Earth Hour

Eight new cities join the fight against climate change

February 20, 2008 - Twenty four international cities will take part in WWF’s Earth Hour climate change campaign this year after another eight metropolitan centers joined the movement this week.

Atlanta, San Francisco, Phoenix, Bangkok, Ottawa, Vancouver, Montreal and Dublin all pledged this week to join Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Adelaide, Copenhagen, Aarhus, Aalborg, Odense, Manila, Suva, Chicago, Tel Aviv, Toronto and Christchurch for Earth Hour on Saturday March 29, at 8pm local time.

Earth Hour is the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut their greenhouse gas emissions and become more energy efficient.

In a world first last year, 2.2 million Sydney residents turned off lights and appliances for one hour as a step towards reducing the city’s greenhouse gas pollution. This year, that number is set to reach the tens of millions with some of the world’s most recognisable icons going dark in a collective stand against climate change.

Andy Ridley, Executive Director of Earth Hour, said the response to round two of Earth Hour had been hugely positive.

“Last year we were incredibly excited that more than two million people in Sydney took part in Earth Hour. If we see the same participation levels around the globe that we did in Sydney, then we can anticipate more than 30 million people involved.

“Even though the response has been overwhelming, we’re still hopeful that more cities will come on board and take up the challenge. Climate change is a truly global issue and people around the world are demanding action. We’re delighted there has been so much interest from major cities around the world,” Mr Ridley said.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Paddy Bourke said, "Earth Hour is an international campaign and Dublin is one of the latest cities to get behind this important event where on March 29 all non- essential lights will be switched off for an hour. This campaign is important and everyone from citizens up to Government has a duty to do what they can against global warming. It is up to us all to do what we can to reduce our CO2 emissions. Through one simple action, turning off our lights for an hour, we can deliver a powerful message about the need for action.”

Climate change is the most significant threat to life on Earth, with some of the world’s most
recognisable natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, Antarctica, and the Amazon rainforest threatened by rising temperatures and changing weather patterns.

WWF is urging people and communities all around the world to help make Earth Hour 2008 a success by switching off lights and non-essential appliances for one hour between 8pm and 9pm on March 29.

For more information on Earth Hour, to pledge your support or find out how you can get Earth Hour happening in your city, go to www.earthhour.org

For more information contact:
Kath Eggleston, WWF-Australia Press Office
T: +61 2 8202 1294 / 0408 408 562
E: keggleston@wwf.org.au

About WWF
WWF-Australia is part of the WWF International Network, the world's largest and most experienced independent conservation organisation. It has close to five million supporters and a global network active in more than 100 countries. WWF’s mission is to stop the degradation of the planet's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. This is achieved by working on the ground with local communities, and in partnership with government and industry, using the best possible science to advocate change and effective conservation policy.

Leo Burnett Sydney
Award winning agency, Leo Burnett is WWF's partner in the Earth Hour initiative. The agency, in collaboration with WWF, has created the Earth Hour identity and logo and a dedicated holistic communications campaign, designed to harness the power of TV, radio, print and interactive.

Lights out in Queensland for Earth Hour

Queenslanders are being urged to turn off their lights for one hour next month as part of Earth Hour 2008, the WWF-led climate change initiative that has gained worldwide momentum.

With broad local and state government support, the event is part of a campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take simple steps to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

WWF-Australia is today asking Queenslanders to support Earth Hour by turning off their lights between 8pm and 9pm on March 29.

“We must increase our efforts in addressing climate change and the time to act is now,” said WWF spokesman Nick Heath.

“Reducing the world’s emissions is a shared responsibility. Each city needs to commit to reducing its carbon output and every single person has a role to play.”

Many of Australia’s most treasured natural wonders are threatened by climate change, including Queensland’s iconic Great Barrier Reef.

“We need ongoing and broad community support to make a real difference to the problem of global warming and to protect special ecosystems such as the Reef,” Mr Heath said.

Last year, more than 2 million Sydney residents joined Earth Hour, resulting in an impressive 10.2 per cent drop in energy usage across the usually glittering CBD.

Mr Heath has challenged Queenslanders to do even better than their southern counterparts in 2008, and thereby show the world how serious they are about being environmentally responsible.

“Earth Hour is not a one-off event,” he said. “Hopefully, it is something that will encourage people to be more conscious about the use of energy on a daily basis.”

Earth Hour 2008 has a distinctly international flavour with 16 cities from around the globe currently signed up, with the possibility of more joining before March 29.

Cities such as Chicago, Copenhagen, Toronto, Manila, Christchurch, Suva and Tel Aviv have joined a number of Australian locations in turning off lights for one hour to tackle climate change head on.

Lord Mayor calls for Earth Hour support

Earth Hour is a simple message of change. Simple actions have huge impacts. Here in Brisbane, we've launched a house-by-house and street-by-street campaign called GreenHeart CitySmart to show people how to make simple, affordable changes in their lives. Across southeast Queensland, 18 Mayors including myself in Brisbane have taken up the Earth Hour pledge. We will be contributing to an almighty blackout stretching more than 200 kilometres north-to-south and 100 kilometres east-to-west. We love our unique lifestyle and we are passionate about
protecting it. Across the globe, the Earth Hour phenomenon will generate a huge Mexican wave stretching far beyond the 60 minutes on 29 March 2008. Earth Hour is a powerful large-scale movement for change. I urge you to take part.

- Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman

Cities Across Canada Join Earth Hour

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 12, 2008) - Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver and more than a dozen other municipalities in Ontario have signed on to participate in WWF's global lights out event, Earth Hour. These cities have committed to turning off their lights for one hour at 8 p.m. on March 29, and will encourage residents and businesses within the city to participate and show support for action on climate change.

Municipalities in Ontario that have joined include Oakville, Vaughan, Brampton, Sarnia, Halton Hills, Whitby, Mississauga, and London - with dozens more interested. These Canadian cities are in addition to more than 15 major cities around the world that already joined, including Sydney, Chicago, Copenhagen and Dublin.

Last year, Earth Hour made its successful debut in Sydney, Australia. More than 2 million individuals and businesses participated, resulting in a 10 per cent reduction on the electrical grid and saving 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

This year, Toronto was the first city to sign-on to WWF's Earth Hour. WWF-Canada's official partners for Earth Hour Toronto are the Toronto Star, Virgin Mobile and the City of Toronto. Individuals can sign-up and find out more information at wwf.ca/EarthHour.

Turning off your lights for one hour will help create awareness and build momentum, but Earth Hour won't stop the climate crisis on its own. To help ensure that Canadians make long-term changes beyond Earth Hour, WWF-Canada has created The Good Life.

The Good Life is an online, action-oriented campaign to enable and encourage Canadians to make changes in their everyday lives to reduce their environmental footprint. This includes a range of actions from easy (like switching to CFL light bulbs) to more complicated (installing an energy efficient furnace) - something for everyone who wants a greener lifestyle.

In less than month since WWF-Canada launched The Good Life, participants have reduced over 5,000,000 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions, which is the equivalent of taking more than 800 cars off the road. This in turn will show our business and political leaders that Canadians are serious about demanding urgent action to fight climate change. For more information visit wwf.ca.

See which businesses in Toronto have already Signed up

Curious which businesses and organization have already pledged to particpate in Earth Hour? Well, check out the Toronto Star's new online map and see for yourself.

The numbers are growing by the day so make sure you are included and sign up today at http://www.earthhour.org/.

Kylie Kwong celebrates a sustainable Chinese New Year

Sydney, Australia: In preparation for Chinese New Year, Earth Hour ambassador Kylie Kwong has found 10 ways to save electricity in her kitchen.

Earth Hour ambassador, 2008 Chinese New Year Festival Ambassador and leading Sydney chef, Kylie Kwong has identified the kitchen as one of the biggest energy guzzling rooms within the home and therefore, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.

“Chinese New Year is a time for families to celebrate with delicious food symbolising prosperity for the coming year. This year, the Year of the Rat, is also an opportunity for us to make a few changes in our lives to live a more environmentally friendly life,” said Kylie.

Kylie is a keen environmentalist and serves only organic and biodynamic produce in her restaurant, Billy Kwong, in Sydney.

The average Australian home produces about half a tonne of greenhouse gas each year from energy used for cooking, according to the Australia Government’s Greenhouse Office.

Kylie’s 10 tips for an energy smart kitchen:

1. Choose a fridge or freezer that’s the right size for you – they operate more efficiently when filled to the correct capacity
2. Keep the fridge temperature between 3 and 40C and the freezer between -15 and -180C
3. To save water in the kitchen, wash vegetables in a small amount of water in sink, rather than under a running tap
4. Avoid using in-sink garbage disposal units – compost instead
5. Avoid gas flames spilling up the sides of pots – turn the burner down to keep flames on the bottom
6. Thaw food in the fresh food compartment of the fridge before cooking
7. If cooking in the oven, avoid opening the door unnecessarily and consider cooking several things at once
8. Make sure your fridge rubber seals are effective by placing a piece of paper in the door and checking if it is held firmly
9. Fan forced ovens generate up to 35 per cent less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional ovens, and more items can be cooked at the same time as the heat is more evenly distributed
10. A family fridge with an extra star on its rating label cuts greenhouse gas emissions by more than 100 kilograms each year. Over its lifetime it will save $200 in running costs
    

Kylie Kwong is getting ready to celebrate her second Earth Hour by holding a candlelit dinner for patrons at Billy Kwong restaurant.

Earth Hour began in Sydney last year and inspired over 2.2 million Sydneysiders and over 2,200 businesses to switch off their lights, highlighting the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“We want all members of Australia’s Chinese community to get involved in Earth Hour. Climate change is an issue which affects all of us so we need to come together to meet this challenge,” said Andy Ridley, Earth Hour Director.

To sign up to Earth Hour visit www.earthhour.org

For more information contact:
Kath Eggleston, WWF-Australia Press Office, +61 2 8202 1294 / 0408 408 562
keggleston@wwf.org.au

* A photograph of Kylie Kwong is available upon request.

Australia Day: Aussie icons support Earth Hour

Sydney, Australia: In the lead up to Australia Day, some of the nations best loved musicians
and actors have banded together to urge Australians to consider the impacts of climate
change on our natural icons such as Kakadu and the Great Barrier Reef, and to support
Earth Hour – Australia’s biggest climate change initiative.

Many of Australia’s most treasured natural icons are threatened by climate change and it is
important on this Australia Day to consider how people can protect our precious
environment, says WWF-Australia.

Earth Hour ambassadors Ben Lee, Isabel Lucas, Tex Perkins, Shane Wakelin and Brielle
Davis are some of the Aussie personalities who are supporting the campaign. Earth Hour
aims to encourage all Australians to turn off their lights for one hour on March 29, 2008 and
make a pledge to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions on an ongoing basis.

Earth Hour began in Sydney last year and inspired over 2.2 million Sydneysiders and over
2,100 businesses to switch off their lights, highlighting the need to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions.

“We want all members of the community – young and old – to get involved in Earth Hour.
Climate change is an issue which affects all of us so we need to come together to meet this
challenge,” said Andy Ridley, Earth Hour Director.

To sign up to Earth Hour visit www.earthhour.org

Ben Lee, singer/song writer and Earth Hour ambassador said:

"Australia is a wonderful country with a rich and complex heritage. I'm proud to be from a
country that is capable of looking at itself with insight, honesty and a sense of humour. For
this reason, Earth Hour has a uniquely Australian feel. It's about seeing a problem that needs
to be dealt with, and taking some simple and enjoyable steps, to begin getting our planet to a
better place."

Isabel Lucas, actress/environmental campaigner and Earth Hour ambassador said:

“Australia Day offers us a chance to reflect and appreciate how lucky we are to live here. I'm
proud to call myself Australian and to call a country home that has one of the most beautiful
environments I’ve seen. A generation ago people with concerns about the environment and
nature were often labelled greenies and radicals, today these issues are accepted by the
mainstream as essential to our survival, therefore supporting organisations like WWF is
really important.”

Brielle Davis, singer and Earth Hour ambassador said:

“Australia Day is a day when all Australians, irrespective of cultural, ethnic or religious
differences can come together and truly celebrate our good fortune. We live in a wonderful
country, however we must realise that if we are going to celebrate Australia Day, if we are
going to be proud to live in such a beautiful nation then we must do all that we can to
preserve it. With events like Earth Hour advancing I feel it is extremely important for people
to realise exactly what they can do to play their part.”

Shane Wakelin, AFL player and Earth Hour ambassador said:

"Australia Day is a celebration of what makes our great country so truly unique – barbeques,
beaches, beers and family. Let’s carry on this community spirit by coming together for Earth
Hour 2008, which presents a wonderful opportunity to influence attitudes on climate change
and the environment for many generations to come".

Tex Perkins singer/Aussie icon and Earth Hour ambassador said:

“Australia has the most unique environment of any country in the world. I’ve been around the
world and nowhere comes close to us for clean air, fresh water, beautiful beaches, cute
cuddly animals, and the most deadly spiders, snakes and sea creatures on the planet. Let’s
keep it that way this Australia Day.”




Images of Kakadu, the Great Barrier Reef and Earth Hour ambassadors are available
on request.

For more information contact:

Kath Eggleston, WWF-Australia Press Office, +61 2 8202 1294 / 0408 408 562 keggleston@wwf.org.au

The following cities will take part in Earth Hour 2008:
Copenhagen in Denmark, Aarhus in Denmark, Aalborg in Denmark, Odense in Denmark, Manila in the Philippines, Suva in Fiji, Chicago in the USA, Tel Aviv in Israel, Toronto in Canada, Portland in the USA, Christchurch in New Zealand, Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Sydney.