Sydney to send message to the world on global warming
15 Dec 2006
WWF launches Earth Hour - Australia's largest climate change initiative
In a world first, Sydney will turn off its lights for one hour at 7.30pm on Saturday March 31, 2007 as a major step towards reducing the city's greenhouse gas pollution.
With the support of The City of Sydney and the NSW Government, Earth Hour will be the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut their emissions by 5% in 2007.
Earth Hour is about simple changes that will collectively make the 5% difference - from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby.
Greg Bourne, CEO, WWF-Australia said: "Sydney is renowned across the globe for its ability to make things happen - from the 2000 Olympics to its New Year celebrations. If we prove that together we can significantly cut our greenhouse gas pollution it will send a message to every city around the world that we have the power to take action against global warming."
"Sydney cutting its carbon dioxide pollution by 5% in one year is achievable and lends itself to our overall vision - that every major city around the world endeavours to achieve the same target."
"The Earth Hour campaign will send a powerful message to the world that it's possible to work together to make a massive contribution to reducing the effects of global warming."
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore MP, urged all city businesses, workers and residents to support Earth Hour. "The three CBDs of Sydney, North Sydney and Parramatta make up Australia's largest business district - covering 30% of the country's office space," Ms Moore said.
"Australia's commercial business sector is responsible for around 10% of national greenhouse gas emissions and all commercial businesses and their workers should join the community in supporting Earth Hour, but also take concrete actions to reduce energy use."
"Leading businesses have joined the 3CBDs Greenhouse Initiative, run by the City of Sydney, with North Sydney and Parramatta City Council, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and complement Earth Hour to help reduce global warming."
Proving that everyone can play a part, Sarah Bishop, a 22 year-old Brisbane resident, has announced her plans to walk from Brisbane to Sydney in early 2007 as a way of voicing young Australians' concerns about global warming. As part of the two month 1000km walk, Sarah will exchange ideas and make presentations at communities along her journey illustrating the simple things people can do to make a difference.
Sarah said: "I'm doing this walk because I am concerned that we are going to face even worse droughts, bushfires and water restrictions in the future if we don't start believing that we can and must make a difference today."
To find out more about Earth Hour, Sydney residents and businesses can visit the official website www.earthhour.org. Visitors to the site can pledge their support and sign up to receive a free Earth Hour information pack which, in addition to providing further information on the campaign, gives them hints and tips on how to cut their household and office electricity bills and emissions.
Key statistics on global warming
- The production and use of energy in Australia provides 69% - the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and is the greatest contributor to global warming. (CSIRO)
- By 2100, up to 15,000 Australians could die every year from heat-related illnesses and the dengue transmission zone could reach as far south as Brisbane and Sydney if we continue to allow [greenhouse gas] emissions to increase. (Australian Medical Association).
- 2005 was Australia's hottest year on record, with an annual mean temperature 1.09°C above the average. (Australian Bureau of Meteorology).
- There has been a 30% reduction in snow cover over the last 45 years in the Snowy Mountains. Areas with at least 3 days snow cover annually are predicted to shrink by between 39% and 96% by 2070. (Murdoch University).
For more information
Rachael Hoy, Red Agency
Phone: 02 9963 7718
Mobile: 0415 643 165
Email: rachael.hoy@redagency.com.au
Jacqui McArthur, WWF-Australia
Phone: 02 8202 1242
Mobile: 0408 626 780
Email: jmcarthur@wwf.org.au
