Archbishop Desmond Tutu amongst Earth Hour Ambassadors
26 Feb 2009
Archbishop Desmond Tutu has lent his voice to Earth Hour's global call for action on climate change.
"Climate change is the greatest human-induced crisis facing the world today. It is totally indiscriminate of race, culture and religion. It affects every human being on the planet," said the Archbishop.
As the recipient of the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in advocating civil rights equality, Desmond Tutu knows better than most the power of individuals uniting for a common cause.
"Earth Hour is an opportunity for every man, woman and child from all corners of the globe to come together with a united voice and make a loud and powerful statement on the issue of climate change," he said.
The Archbishop's endorsement comes as a new TV and radio ad rolls out across Australia calling on people to cast a vote for the earth by switching off the lights for Earth Hour.
The ad, created by advertising agency Leo Burnett, will begin to appear on TV screens from next week and features music by Coldplay and artwork from Shepard Fairey. The ad has also been voiced by one of Australia's most famous actors.
Earth Hour Global Director Andy Ridley stressed that this year's event was a global vote for action.
"Earth Hour 2009 aims to empower citizens from all over the world with the ability to voice their concern on climate change. Essentially, it is the world's first global vote on the issue and casting your vote is as easy as flicking a switch," said Ridley.
"This year's UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen is the world's last, best hope for leaders to take decisive action on dangerous climate change. The Australian government needs to be part of the solution and must commit to reducing Australia's emissions by at least 25 per cent."
Other famous Australians lending their support to Earth Hour include Patrick Rafter, Stirling Mortlock, Jamie Durie, The Veronicas, Dannii Minogue, John Butler, Abbie Cornish, Deni Hines, Shane Wakeline, Isabel Lucas and Christine Anu.
With the world's leaders due to meet in December at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, the Archbishop can see the importance and the potential of Earth Hour 2009.
"If we all perform this one simple act together, it will send a message to our governments too powerful for them to ignore. They will know the eyes of the world are watching," he said.
For more information please contact:
Jonathon Larkin, Media Officer,
WWF-Australia
0410 221 410, jlarkin@wwf.org.au
Rachael Hoy National Media Manager,
WWF-Australia
0407 204 594, rhoy@wwf.org.au
