Last year on March 31 2007, Sydneysiders, both residents and businesses, turned off their lights for one hour, Earth Hour, a symbolic gesture which showed the world their commitment to fighting climate change.
Anthony Albanese is backing Earth Hour 2008 and has signed himself and his Marrickville office up to the campaign.
“Earth Hour is an excellent way for the community to show their support for such an important issue. And it’s more than just a symbolic gesture; the WWF estimated that there was a 10.2 % energy reduction in Sydney as a result of the community switching off their lights for Earth Hour last year.
Hopefully, Earth Hour will help people realise that everyone can make a difference. In the short term, by participating on March 29, and in the long term by cutting emissions through simple steps like businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, and households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby.
This year it is exciting to see that 24 cities around the world will be participating. Sydney has shown the world that small steps can make a big impact.
I encourage my electorate of Grayndler to switch on to switching off. Turn your lights off at 8pm Saturday 29 March. Light a candle and help cut emissions.”
To sign up to Earth Hour visit http://www.earthhour.org.au
For futher information on Australian Government programs visit www.climatechange.gov.au