Canberra leads the way for Earth Hour

Mllions of Australians joined Earth Hour on Saturday March 29, between 8.00pm and 9.00pm by flicking the switch, turning appliances off stand-by and enjoying an hour of quiet darkness.

Residents and businesses across Canberra showed their support for Earth Hour resulting in an impressive 11.4 per cent drop in electricity consumption for the hour, according to ActewAGL.

Canberra also led the nation with an outstanding 73 per cent participating in Earth Hour, according to research company AMR Interactive.

AMR Interactive surveyed close to 3,400 Australians and found 58 per cent participated in Earth Hour by switching off lights, turning off computers, televisions and other household appliances.

“The overwhelming support for Earth Hour from Australians across the country has amazed us and shows the willingness of both business and individuals to start cutting emissions,” said WWF-Australia Earth Hour Director, Andy Ridley.

"It shows Australia is committed to reducing the threats linked to global warming and we have proved by acting together we can start to make a difference. By Earth Hour 2009, on March 28 we expect more Australians will have incorporated simple energy efficient solutions into their homes and workplace. Its important we keep the momentum going for a greener and sustainable future.” Mr Ridley said.

ActewAGL CEO John Mackay said, “The local community should be extremely proud of the 11.4 per cent electricity reduction during Earth Hour. This energy saving represents a reduction of 36 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions – the equivalent of taking 8.4 cars off the road for an entire year.

“To congratulate Canberra, we would like to confirm our pledge to purchase enough green energy to offset the remaining essential electricity used by the city during Earth Hour – the equivalent of taking a further 65 cars off the road for a year.

“I am confident the Earth Hour message will live beyond the event itself, with long-term commitments being made by individuals, businesses and governments to save energy into the future.”

58 per cent of Aussie adults participate in Earth Hour

Sydney, March 30, 2008: Millions of Australian residents joined Earth Hour last night, Saturday March 29 between 8.00 and 9.00pm by flicking the switch, turning appliances off stand-by and enjoying an hour of quiet darkness, according to AMR Interactive.

Research consultants AMR Interactive interviewed thousands of Australian adults living in each capital city to see how Australians celebrated Earth Hour.

The polling showed that 58 per cent of Australian adults in capital cities took part in the lights off campaign that started in Sydney last year and this year went global with more than 370 cities, towns and council areas taking part.

The research showed that respondents participated in Earth Hour in a number of ways including turning off the lights at home (56%), turning off some household appliances (46%), and taking the mobile phone off charger off standby (37%).

"The overwhelming support for Earth Hour from Australians across the country has amazed us and shows the willingness of both business and individuals to start cutting emissions," said WWF-Australia Earth Hour Director, Andy Ridley.

"The polling only targeted people over 18 years of age and, given the popularity of Earth Hour among kids, the actual number of participants is likely to be much higher."

Earth Hour was initiated by WWF-Australia and started in 2007. It is now an international event, with more than 370 cities, towns and councils across the world taking part. Kicking off in Christchurch, New Zealand, Earth Hour rolled through 14 time zones, wrapping up in San Francisco, USA at 3.00pm EDT Australian time, Sunday March 29 2008.

Key achievements of Earth Hour 2008 in Australia

• More than 370 cities, towns and communities took part


• All Australian capital cities participated in Earth Hour


• 94 percent of the top 100 ASX companies supported Earth Hour


• 100% of top property companies support which include: Lend Lease, Mirvac, Colliers, Investa, Multiplex, CBRE, AMP, Knight Sinclair and Westfield.


• Top 5 Australian banks support which include: St George, Westpac, Commonwealth, National Australia Bank and ANZ.

Key achievements of Earth Hour 2008 internationally

• 26 international Earth Hour flagship cities in 10 countries across the globe.


• 370 supporting cities around the world (please see attached list) makes it the largest voluntary power down event in history.


• Support from significant international landmarks which include: Seoul Tower the tallest building in Northeast Asia, Casey Station Antarctica, Niagara Falls, Americas infamous jail Alcatraz, Prince Charles; Gloucestershire residence, Highgrove House.

"By Earth Hour 2009, on March 28 we expect more Australians will have incorporated simple energy efficient solutions into their homes and workplace. Its important we keep the momentum going for a greener and sustainable future." Mr Ridley said.

AMR Interactive report (220kb, pdf)

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

About Earth Hour

On March 31 2007, for one hour, Sydney made a powerful statement about the greatest contributor to global warming – coal- fired electricity – by turning off its lights. Over 2.2 million Sydney residents and over 2,100 businesses turned off their lights, leading to a 10.2% energy reduction across the city. What began as one city taking a stand against global warming caught the attention of the world. In 2008, 24 global cities will participate in Earth Hour at 8pm on March 29. Earth Hour is the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis. It is about simple changes that will collectively make a difference – from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby.

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.

About AMR Interactive

AMR Interactive is a research consultancy that brings innovation, integration and insight to drive business success. AMR Interactive has operated in Australia for more than twenty years, offering a full range of research services to business and government. From advertising effectiveness and brand equity studies through to corporate reputation, customer satisfaction, concept testing and pricing AMR Interactive offers a complete research consultancy service. Our mission is to drive our clients' success with the best people, products & processes.

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.

Canberra embraces Earth Hour

Canberrans joined global citizens around the world last night in switching off their lights between 8-9pm for Earth Hour.

This tremendous support for the WWF initiative saw the nation’s capital go dark for an hour and unite the environmentally conscious population in thinking about our impact on global warming.

With a strong commitment from the Commonwealth Government and business community, Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle and CBD buildings plunged into darkness in an unprecedented spectacle for those who ventured up Mount Ainslie to take in the sights.

Parliament House flicked the switch and was joined by other capital icons Old Parliament House, Australian War Memorial, National Library of Australia, High Court of Australia, Questacon, Telstra Tower, National Museum of Australia and the Royal Australian Mint.

Earth Hour was also celebrated throughout Canberra’s CBD with Earth Hour in the City, an event featuring acoustic music and other low-energy entertainment, including an outdoor movie, karaoke by candlelight and a poetry slam. Community spirit was alive and well with Civic’s Garema Place and City Walk awash with culture, colour and candlelight.

Canberra’s hospitality sector also got behind earth hour with numerous restaurants, bars and clubs switching off and serving by candlelight.

Canberra CBD Limited proudly presents Earth Hour in the City

This Saturday, the night of Earth Hour, Canberra CBD Limited will proudly present Earth Hour in the City – an evening of free, low-energy entertainment to encourage families to switch off their lights, take their appliances off standby and venture into Civic for two hours of fun in Garema Place and at various locations down City Walk.

Initiated globally by WWF-Australia, Earth Hour is a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to switch off their lights for one hour at 8pm on 29 March to demonstrate that simple changes made on a collective basis will make a big difference.

“Earth Hour is just a reminder of the things that we need to do on an ongoing basis,” said Canberra CBD Limited CEO Linda Staite. “It’s easy enough to say turn your lights off for that one hour in the year, but promoting a continued commitment to saving energy is what’s really important.

“Canberra CBD Limited is excited about presenting Earth Hour in the City. It’s the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy the last of the balmy autumn nights in great community spirit.”

Featuring local artists the Big Score, Marianne and Jonathan Mettes, Jason Recliner, John Lollback and Schmick As Jugglers, Earth Hour in the City will have something for everyone including:
 karaoke by candlelight
 roving jugglers
 an outdoor movie – The Day After Tomorrow
 acoustic music
 giant chess
 a poetry slam.

“And, of course, we are encouraging people to walk, ride, jump on a bus or car-pool into Civic to reduce carbon emissions even further,” said Ms Staite.

Earth Hour in the City runs from 7pm to 9pm on Saturday 29 March 2008 in Garema Place and at various locations down City Walk, Civic.

RAIDERS AND CANBERRA STADIUM SUPPORT EARTH HOUR

Tuesday 25 March: The Canberra Raiders will play their first home game of the 2008 NRL season against the St George Illawarra Dragons this Saturday 29 March at Canberra Stadium. With the game being played across Earth Hour, the electricity used by Canberra Stadium for the entire day will be offset by green energy supplied by ActewAGL’s Greenchoice program.

Canberra Stadium General Manager Neale Guthrie said, “We are very proud to be involved with Earth Hour and I’m extremely pleased that the stadium itself can be carbon neutral on 29 March.”

“Although we are unable to switch the stadium off during the game, as a symbolic gesture towards the cause, we will be dimming, and switching off where we can, all the lights in the corporate suites.”

The Raiders join other NRL teams the Brisbane Broncos and the Newcastle Knights, as well as notable sporting personalities Cathy Freeman, Stirling Mortlock and Shane Wakelin, in supporting Earth Hour.

Raiders CEO Don Furner said, “The whole team is conscious about issues relating to the environment. That’s why we’re happy to support Earth Hour to raise awareness of global warming and climate change.

“It’s a great thought – this Saturday when we take on the Dragons, the Green Machine will be even greener.”

WWF-Australia Program Leader International Mark Otter said, “The involvement of the Canberra Raiders is an example of how role models within the community can have a positive influence when it comes to dealing with climate change – as it is only with cross community support that we'll make a real difference.

"And with ActewAGL providing the green power the game proves to be as clean as a game of rugby league could hope to be."

ActewAGL CEO John Mackay said, “It's no secret that I am passionate about the environment and our community. When the Earth Hour initiative was brought to Canberra I had no hesitation to personally endorsing it and ensuring it had the full support of the ActewAGL suite of companies, including our green energy program, Greenchoice.

“During Earth Hour, I myself will be at the stadium watching the game. I urge all Raiders fans to join me in switching off their lights at home and heading to Canberra Stadium for some green powered rugby action.”

For Raiders game day information visit www.raiders.com.au

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

STIRLING MORTLOCK INSPIRES SCHOOL KIDS FOR EARTH HOUR

March 18, 2008: Australian and international personalities from all walks of life will be switching off their lights for Earth Hour at 8pm on March 29, 2008 in the hope of raising awareness to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become more energy efficient. Locally, Brumbies and Wallabies star Stirling Mortlock has signed on as an ACT Earth Hour Ambassador and is keen to spread the Earth Hour message.

On Wednesday 19 March Sterling visited Yarralumla Primary, where Mortlock spoke to the students from grades five and six about how important their action on climate change is for the future of our planet.

Mortlock, who has a genuine interest in environmental issues, approached the organisers of Earth Hour early in February and expressed his enthusiasm to support the initiative.

“Earth Hour sends an important message that each individual can contribute to reducing global warming by making simple changes to their everyday energy consumption,” said Mortlock.

“Getting kids in the habit of thinking about how their everyday actions effect our planet is important for all our futures.”

Yarralumla Primary School Principal Sue Nott said, “Our school is in the process of implementing the recommendations of an extensive energy audit conducted by the ANU last year. These recommendations will be discussed with students, with a planned implementation mapped out and led by our Student Representative Council and staff.

“Yarralumla Primary is excited to have Stirling come and support us in promoting Earth Hour. His visit will strengthen the message about global environmental issues and what we can do at the school, as well as the local and wider community level, to make a difference.”

Cathy Freeman is another prominent Australian personality getting behind Earth Hour by featuring in an Earth Hour community service announcement for TV. She is joined by some of Australia’s most recognisable icons in supporting Earth Hour’s mission. Australian and international musicians, actors, media personalities, fashion designers and sporting figures are pledging their commitment to this campaign.

“Celebrities can carry a message to a mass audience,” said Earth Hour Director Andy Ridley. “Earth Hour’s message is that everyone needs to take responsibility to address climate change. So whether you are Silverchair, an accountant, a father, a politician, or a CEO, Earth Hour is something you can take part in.

“There are some amazing people supporting Earth Hour and it’s heart-warming to have support from all corners of the globe.”

The supporters represent a list of Australia’s “who’s who”, featuring over 50 personalities.

“We are amazed by the support Earth Hour is receiving from individuals across the globe and want to encourage all members of the community to get involved in Earth Hour. Supporters are pivotal in spreading the word and engaging the community with the simple idea of turning off their lights. Climate change is an issue that affects all of us so we need to come together to meet this challenge” said Ridley.

Mortlock said, “Switching appliances off at the wall when they are not in use and turning off the lights when you leave a room is just the beginning. Earth Hour is about inspiring thought on climate change – it’s wonderful to see this happening right now in schools all over the world, including Yarralumla Primary.”

Get involved and sign up for Earth Hour now.

50 stars shine bright in support of Earth Hour

17 March 2008 - SYDNEY: Stars will shine brightly at 8pm on March 29, 2008 both in the sky and through an impressive line-up of celebrity star power coming together to support Earth Hour. Australia’s biggest climate change initiative, Earth Hour, is now a global event, and will take place across 24 international cities this year.

Australian and international personalities from all walks of life will be switching off their lights for an hour in the hope of raising awareness to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become more energy efficient.

“Celebrities can carry a message to a mass audience. Earth Hour’s message is that everyone needs to take responsibility to address climate change. So whether you are Silverchair, an accountant, a father, a politician, or a CEO, Earth Hour is something you can take part in. There are some amazing people supporting Earth Hour and its heart-warming to have support from all corners of the globe,” said Andy Ridley, Earth Hour Director.

Cathy Freeman features in an Earth Hour Community Service Announcement for TV and is joined by some of Australia’s most recognisable icons in supporting Earth Hour’s mission. Australian and international musicians, actors, media personalities, fashion designers and sporting figures are pledging their commitment to this campaign. The supporters represent a list of Australia’s ‘who’s who,’ featuring over 50 personalities, including:

Musicians

• Australian rock bands and musical artists Silverchair, Jimmy Barnes, Rolf Harris, Missy Higgins, Kate Cebrano, Natalie Imbruglia, Pete Murray, the Veronicas, Hanson, Katie Noonan, Ben Lee, Tex Perkins, Vanessa Amorosi and Nelly Furtado.

Actors / Directors

• Hugh Jackman, Abbie Cornish, Deborah-Lee Furness and Isabel Lucas and artistic director, Michael Kantor, Malthouse Theatre in Melbourne.

Media personalities

• Tracey Spicer, David Whitehill, Chris Bath and Andrew G.

Chefs

• World-renowned chefs Luke Mangan, Kylie Kwong and Simon Bryant, Head Chef, Hilton. Adam D’Sylva, Head Chef of Pearl Restaurant and The Age Good Food Guide Young Chef of the Year.

Fashion Industry

• Fashion label Mad Cortez and Australian designers Josh Goot, Marnie Skillings, Bowie and Yeojin Bae.

Sport

• Stirling Mortlock, Australian Rugby Union player; Shane Wakelin, Collingwood football player; Allana Slater, hailed as Australia's most successful female gymnast (dual Olympian and Commonwealth Games champion); Brent Staker, West Coast Eagles player; Carrie Graf, head coach of the Canberra TransACT Capitals Women's Basketball Team; NRL teams including the Brisbane Broncos and the Newcastle Knights, and A-League soccer teams the Central Coast Mariners, Perth Glory, Melbourne Victory, Queensland Roar and Sydney FC.

Radio Personalities

• Sydney - Marty Sheargold, Fifi Box and Paul Murray (The Shebang Brekkie Host); Wil Anderson and Anthony Lehmo (Wil & Lehmo Drive Show Host). 2DAY FM - Chris Page, Kate Macm Tim Lee (Hot 30 host), Carla ‘Biggzy’ Bignasca (Hot 30 host) and Geoff Field (Kyle & Jackie O newsreader)
• Melbourne 3MMM - Pete Helliar, Myf Warhurst and Richard Marsland (Brekkie Show). Fox Fm - Matt Tilley.
• Perth 92.9 - Em Rusciano and Wippa aka Michael Wipfli (Brekkie Host), and Ellie Mobbs.
• Brisbane 4MMM - Greg ‘Marto’ Martin Greg ‘Sully’ Sullivan, Ian Skippen and Sami Lukis (The Cage Brekkie Show). Brisbane B105 – Labrat, Camilla and Stav (Brekkie Host).
• Adelaide 5MMM - Ali Carle (4MMM Brekkie Host) and Matt O'Reilly (Afternoons Announcer). SAFM - Rabbit and Alexis Savidis.
• Perth (Mix FM) - Dean ‘Clairsy’ Clairs, Nat Foster and Shane McFarlane (The Big Couch Brekkie); Anne Marie Pring-Coupe and Ian Blackley (Workday Announcer). 92.9FM - -Em Rusciano, Wippa aka Michael Wipfli and Ellie Mobbs.

“We are amazed by the support Earth Hour is receiving from individuals across the globe, and want to encourage all members of the community to get involved in Earth Hour. Supporters are pivotal in spreading the word and engaging the community with the simple idea of turning off their lights. Climate change is an issue which affects all of us so we need to come together to meet this challenge,” said Ridley.

Jimmy Barnes, singer and Earth Hour supporter said:
"I see Earth Hour as the first step in a long journey. That step is always the hardest to take, but once we get moving, the momentum created by the hopes of the world will drive us to take giant leaps in the name of mankind. Take that step together and we will make the difference it is never too late to change for the better.”

Kate Mac, Afternoon Presenter on 2DayFM/Rate the Hits National Countdown and Earth Hour supporter said:
"This is the world we are leaving behind for our children, grand children, great grand children. There is simply no excuse for complacency when it comes to the future generations who will inherit this planet, and have no say at this stage about what action we take. It’s imperative we keep reminding people about the risks of climate change. Most people are aware it’s happening, but the remainder ignores the consequences and becomes complacent when it comes to reducing carbon emissions in day to day life. Earth Hour shows us the simple steps we can take in our everyday lives and helps us to make a difference together."

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

For more information or press photos please contact:

Kath Eggleston
WWF-Australia
T: +61 2 8202 1294
M: 0408 408 562
keggleston@wwf.org.au

Grant Griglak
WWF-Australia
T: + 61 2 8202 1264
M: 0488 225 904
ggriglak@wwf.org.au

About Earth Hour
On March 31 2007, for one hour, Sydney made a powerful statement about the greatest contributor to global warming – coal- fired electricity – by turning off its lights. Over 2.2 million Sydney residents and over 2,100 businesses turned off their lights, leading to a 10.2% energy reduction across the city. What began as one city taking a stand against global warming caught the attention of the world. In 2008, 24 global cities will participate in Earth Hour at 8pm on March 29. Earth Hour is the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis. It is about simple changes that will collectively make a difference – from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby.

About WWF
WWF-Australia is part of the WWF International Network, the world's largest and most experienced independent conservation organization. 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.

Cool t-shirts help cool the planet

Earth Hour t-shirts on sale today

28 February 2008: What better way to cool the earth than to wear a really cool t-shirt? Due to popular demand WWF-Australia has released its Earth Hour t-shirt to celebrate the campaign that urges people to switch off lights and non-essential appliances for one hour between 8pm and 9pm on March 29 all around the world.

Funds raised from the tee sales will enable WWF to continue its work conserving the world’s unique plants and animals and their habitats, by tackling the threat of climate change. The sleek black, pure cotton t-shirt flaunts the Earth Hour ‘60’ logo and features the iconic WWF panda bear logo on the front. ‘See your world in a whole new light,’ Earth Hour’s date and the web address, ‘www.earthhour.org’ appear on the back of the shirt. The slim fit t-shirts are available in cap sleeve style for women and loose sleeve style for men in a variety of sizes.

Last year, Earth Hour had the support of many fashion designers including Ksubi who created their own Earth Hour tee design. This year, Earth Hour has the added support of many more successful Australian designers including MYER’s Josh Goot, and Melbourne- based, Yeojin Bae and Gorman, who are well known for their sustainable fashion garments. The t-shirt is available for purchase online at www.earthhour.org/tshirt for AUD$29.95 including GST. An additional AUD$20 will be added to all international purchases to cover postage and handling.

Earth Hour is one of the best known climate change brands around the globe. Now everyone can show their commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by slipping on the ‘coolest’ t-shirt of the season. 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

Images of Jackie O, Cate Blanchett, Wolfmother lead singer Andrew Stockdale, Sharni Vinson, Parramatta Eels players, Manly Sea Eagles players, Ben Lee (standing with PM Kevin Rudd) and Hyundai A-League players in Earth Hour t-shirts available upon request.

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.

National update

Nationally, Earth Hour has been gaining momentum since its debut in Sydney in March 2007. Perhaps due to its symbolic and practical nature, the idea has taken a firm hold and become a part of the nation's agenda in fighting the forces of global warming and climate change. Australian’s support of Earth Hour sends a bold statement to the rest of the world that every bit helps, and the world has since taken heed. The Australian Government this week announced its formal participation in the campaign.

"Australians understand that we all need to take responsibility to tackle climate change," said Senator Penny Wong, who believes strongly in the cause.

" We want to see as many Australian families as possible getting involved and taking the opportunity to take ongoing action to cut energy waste, cut greenhouse emissions and save on energy bills," said Senator Peter Garrett.

The Earth Hour movement has clearly not only become a part of the national agenda, but a passionate part of what it means to be a dutiful Australian. Even the commercial sectors of major Australian business have jumped on board – with three quarters of the top 100 ASX list companies agreeing to switch off their lights for Earth Hour.

“We are seeing a sustainability revolution taking place with companies both large and small beginning to address climate change, and show leadership in dealing with this critical challenge,” said Andy Ridley, Earth Hour’s Executive Director.

“If Australia's commercial sector turned off lights when buildings weren't in use and combined this action with other energy efficient technologies they could reduce lighting emissions by 70 per cent, saving 10 million tonnes of green gas emissions annually."

While many cities and businesses have taken up the challenge, so too have a number of Australian personalities including Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman, Ben Lee and more. Olympic gold-medalist Cathy Freeman has taken her support of the cause to the next level by featuring in a national Earth Hour ad campaign.

"Cathy Freeman's ability to capture the public's imagination is unparalleled. She embodies the spirit behind Earth Hour--that everyone has a part to play," said Andy Ridley, executive director of Earth Hour.

Freeman enjoyed taking part in the campaign and did it the best way she knew how--fast. She was challenged to turn off as many lights as possible in an hour, and succeeded with an impressive 6,399. Her support, along with others, has helped to propel the movement onto the global scene.

To view the ad, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRMYeOVn8ew

Cathy Freeman to feature in Earth Hour campaign

Racing through Sydney, Freeman turns out the lights in support of Earth Hour

March 11 2008: Australian Olympic gold medalist Cathy Freeman will feature in a new television Community Service Announcement to support the global WWF-Earth Hour climate change campaign.

The CSA shows Cathy Freeman racing through the streets of Sydney switching off as many lights as she can in 60 minutes. Landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and well- recognised pubs, restaurants and hotels around the city are seen going dark.

“Cathy Freeman’s ability to capture the public’s imagination is unparalleled. She captured the spirit behind Earth Hour – that everyone has a part to play,” said Andy Ridley, WWF’s Executive Director of Earth Hour.

“We wanted to find a way of illustrating how much of a contribution one person could make. Despite a massive storm on the night Cathy managed to turn off 6,399 lights in one hour,” said Ridley.

The advert was developed by Stephen Coll and Nils Eberhardt at the Sydney advertising agency Leo Burnett, who worked in conjunction with the production company Caravan Pictures which is owned and operated by brother sister team Ben and Emma Lawrence.

“We only had one person in mind from the beginning - Olympic Gold Medallist Cathy Freeman. We presented her with a unique challenge - how many lights in Sydney could she turn off in one hour? She accepted immediately. Cathy was fantastic to work with. The Earth Hour cause is very close to her heart and she generously gave her time,” said Leo Burnett’s writer Stephen Coll.

In a hectic two weeks, the production team performed a minor miracle, recruiting a small army of volunteer cameramen and producers, and securing access to premises throughout the CBD including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Dozens of Sydneysiders volunteered their premises for the cause, with the City of Sydney assisting with filming permits.

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

To view the Earth Hour CSA featuring Cathy Freeman go to: ftp://EHconfidential:quiet1@203.28.166.111/

For still images from the CSA or to interview Andy Ridley contact:
Kath Eggleston, WWF-Australia Press Office
T: +61 2 8202 1294 / 0408 408 562 E: keggleston@wwf.org.au

About Earth Hour
On March 31 2007, for one hour, Sydney made a powerful statement about the greatest contributor to global warming – coal- fired electricity – by turning off its lights. Over 2.2 million Sydney residents and over 2,100 businesses turned off their lights, leading to a 10.2% energy reduction across the city. What began as one city taking a stand against global warming caught the
attention of the world. In 2008, 24 global cities will participate in Earth Hour at 8pm on March 29. Earth Hour is the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis. It is about simple changes that will collectively make a difference – from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby.

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.

Get creative for Earth Hour and win!

The Earth Hour team in the ACT would like to invite school-aged children to take inspiration from the Earth Hour movement and use their creativity in the fight against global warming. This is the first year Canberra has taken part in Earth Hour and we are looking for your energy saving ideas.

Earth Hour ACT schools competition – win cool stuff and help cool the earth!

How would you like to win one of five Earth Hour prize packs containing lots of cool stuff, like a family pass to see the Raiders play the Dragons on the night of Earth Hour?
Winning is easy! All you have to do is visit the ActewAGL education website and
share your great Earth Hour ideas. Tell us in 50 words or less how your school can save energy to help stop global warming.

Be creative and think outside the square! Remember you only have 50 words so use them wisely. Don’t forget to fill in all your details so we can tell you if you win!

Entries close at 4.00pm on Tuesday 25 March 2008. The five best entries chosen on 26 March will win a cool Earth Hour pack.

Each prize pack includes:

1 family pass (two adults and two children) to see the Canberra Raiders play the St George Illawarra Dragons at Canberra Stadium on Saturday 29 March 2008
1 green science kit (Enviro Battery or Dynamo Torch)
1 Grapevine USB thumbdrive to save time and paper
1 Earth Hour t-shirt
2 Earth Hour posters

To enter visit the ActewAGL education website at www.actewagl.com.au/education

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.

Canberra - Welcome to Earth Hour 2008

Canberra is proud to participate in Earth Hour 2008, the global campaign to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More details on Canberra involvement in this momentous event will be released soon. Please visit this page again to find out about the Earth Hour push to raise awareness about climate change.