Prime Minister Rudd and UN Secretary-General urge world to join Earth Hour
23 Mar 2009
Prime Minister Rudd and UN Secretary-General urge world to join Earth HourWith just one week left before lights-out, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon have thrown their support behind Earth Hour.
"Earth Hour is a great home-grown initiative. It began just two years ago, but is already a worldwide movement. Its message is simply this: climate change is a challenge for all of us and we all need to put our shoulder to the wheel to tackle this immense challenge," said Prime Minister Rudd.
"That message is absolutely vital this year as the nations of the world work together ahead of the Copenhagen summit. It is crucial that we reach a deal on cutting greenhouse gas emissions."
The Prime Minister has said that this is not just an environmental, economic and political challenge but also the greatest moral challenge of our age.
As WWF builds support for a strong global agreement in Copenhagen to tackle climate change, the Prime Minister has said all nations must work together to solve the problem.
"The Australian government is taking action globally and at home and all Australians can show their commitment to taking action on climate change as well by participating in Earth Hour in 2009."
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has also urged citizens around the world to join WWF's Earth Hour to demand action on climate change.
The Secretary-General said that Earth Hour promises to be "the largest demonstration of public concern about climate change ever attempted."
"Earth Hour is a way for the citizens of the world to send a clear message. They want action on climate change," said Secretary-General Ban.
Ban underlined the seriousness of climate change and the need for a global climate deal to be agreed when the world's leaders meet in Copenhagen.
"People will be telling their representatives to seal a deal in Copenhagen. A deal at the climate change talks that will protect people and the planet. We need an ambitious agreement. An agreement that is fair and effective. An agreement based on sound science."
Secretary-General Ban went on to underline the seriousness of climate change and the scale of the task ahead. "We are on a dangerous path. Our planet is warming. We must change our ways," he said.
"We need green growth that benefits all communities. We need sustainable energy for a more climate-friendly, prosperous world. This is the path of the future. We must walk it together."
WWF's Earth Hour is being hailed as the biggest ever global movement – a vote for the future of planet earth. Hundreds of millions of people are expected to take part by switching off non-essential lighting for an hour. Cities from Las Vegas to Sydney, from Cape Town to Beijing will go dark for an hour.
Ban said that the United Nations would be doing its bit for Earth Hour. "In New York, we will switch out the lights at UN Headquarters. Other UN facilities around the world will also take part."
And he concluded: "I urge citizens everywhere to join us. Please send a strong message on climate change. Together we can find a solution to this most serious of global challenges."
The videos can be viewed at www.earthhourau.org where people can also register their support for Earth Hour 2009.
Note: To download a broadcast quality copy of the Prime Minister and Secretary-General's video message go to: http://www.divshare.com/folder/513398-71f
Find out more
Jonathon Larkin, Media Officer, WWF-Australia
Mobile: 0410 221 410
Email: jlarkin@wwf.org.au
Rachael Hoy, National Media Manager, WWF-Australia
Mobile: 0407 204 594
Email: rhoy@wwf.org.au
About Earth Hour
On Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 8:30 PM, millions of people around the world will turn off their lights for one hour, Earth Hour, to show how by working together we can make a difference in the fight against climate change. The symbolic event is the highlight of a major campaign to encourage individuals, businesses and communities to take action to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis.
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.
