Andrew Turner took time out of his parliamentary work last week to support WWF’s Earth Hour by turning off a giant light-switch. The Island’s MP was supporting a World Wildlife Fund initiative ‘Earth Hour’ which is campaigning for a huge global switch-off for one hour on 28th March to draw attention to discussions on climate change at the UN conference in Copenhagen later this year.

So far more than 1,000 cities in 84 countries have signed up including London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast in the UK. Many iconic landmarks will be switching off their lights such as Nelson’s Column in London, the Forth Bridge in Edinburgh, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Table Mountain in Cape Town, Sydney Opera House and Paris’ Eiffel Tower.

Andrew Turner said

“It makes sense for us all to save energy, not only does it cut our bills but it reduces the amount of energy we need to generate. This initiative reminds us to be more frugal with energy and draws attention to the negotiations on climate change that will be taking place later in the year.

“We could also use the great switch-off as an opportunity to enjoy a candlelit dinner with a loved one. A winning idea all round! But the real effort is in reducing the amount of power that we use every day.”

Colin Butfield, head of campaigns at WWF UK, said:

"We are delighted that Andrew is backing WWF’s Earth Hour. We want to create a groundswell of support and this is a chance for the people of the Isle of Wight to be part of a global action on climate change.

“Global leaders meet at the UN conference in Copenhagen later this year to determine how the world will work together to tackle climate change in future. A billion people across the globe turning off their lights sends a loud and clear message to politicians that they must make it happen.”

More information can be found at : wwf.org.uk/earthhour

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Contact : Andrew Turner’s office 01983 530808