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.

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.

Perth - Welcome to Earth Hour 2008

Perth is proud to participate in Earth Hour 2008, the global campaign to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More details on Perth 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.