AUSSIES TAKE TIME OUT FOR NATURE THIS EARTH HOUR

Australians will join millions of people, businesses, schools, and iconic landmarks around the world switching off their lights for Earth Hour at 8:30 pm on Saturday 25 March local time, to show symbolic support for greater action on climate change and nature loss. Born in Sydney in 2007 and now in its 17^th year, Earth Hour has grown to become the world’s biggest grassroots movement for the environment with supporters in over 190 countries and territories, and more than 7000 cities. Earth Hour 2023 aims to raise awareness of the importance of trees and nature to wildlife, communities, and people’s mental and physical wellbeing. WWF-Australia is urging people to switch off and take #TimeOutForNature. Whether it’s 60 seconds, 60 minutes or beyond the hour, participants are encouraged to make time to reflect on the incredible benefits that nature provides. Rallying celebrity support, WWF-Australia Partner and Neighbours actor, Matty Wilson, is encouraging Australians to take a stand for stronger action on climate change and biodiversity loss by signing up at earthhour.org.au. Dermot O’Gorman, WWF-Australia’s CEO, said: “Nature needs a time out. We need to press ‘pause’ on nature loss and work together to protect our natural ecosystems and restore what we’ve lost.” An estimated 70 million trees are being destroyed or damaged in Australia every year – this is 2 trees every second. Continued deforestation and industrial logging are major contributors to climate change, and Eastern Australia is among 24 global deforestation hotspots – the only developed nation on the list. O’Gorman continued: “Trees are the lungs of our planet, and we need them to provide food and shelter for our wildlife, cool our communities and protect us from the impacts of climate change. If we want to secure a healthy future for people and nature, then we need to act with urgency to reverse the loss of nature and combat climate change by 2030.” WWF-Australia Partner for Earth Hour, Matty Wilson, has joined a host of Australian names such as Cody Simpson, Victoria Lee, Bronte Campbell and Sam Harris who will be switching off and standing up for greater action on climate change this year. Matty Wilson shared: “Earth Hour brings the whole world together through one symbolic gesture. Australians can also make small switches in their daily life to support stronger action on climate change. We still have time to make a difference for the planet we call home.” Major international landmarks, including Australia’s own Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, will also go dark in support of Earth Hour. To help Australians take time out in nature this year, WWF-Australia and Tasmanian Walking Company are also giving the chance for a lucky winner to win a dream wilderness escape for two when they sign up to switch off for Earth Hour. The prize includes a luxury walking holiday on the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, where they’ll join expert guides and traverse the wonderfully remote landscape, immersing themselves as they learn more about Australia’s unique nature. Sign up and switch off at earthhour.org.au and join the world in pledging to support greater action on climate change and nature loss, by taking #TimeOutForNature from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm local time on Saturday 25 March.