Local MSP Jackie Baillie today publicly backed WWF’s Earth Hour initiative and urged constituents, local businesses and organisations to also sign-up to the big switch off on Saturday 27 March.

On 27 March at 8.30pm individuals, businesses and public authorities in Scotland and across the world will turn off their lights for one hour in a graphic show of support for decisive action on climate change.

Last year world landmarks including Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Table Mountain in Cape Town, Houses of Parliament in London and Christ the Redeemer statute in Rio de Janeiro took part. Here in Scotland, the Forth Bridge, Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Parliament all went dark for 60 minutes.  Already this year WWF’s Earth Hour 2010 is set to be bigger and better than ever.

Climate change is one of the most serious threats facing people and nature, and demands urgent action.  Last year, the Scottish Parliament passed the toughest climate change legislation in the world.  In December global climate talks in Copenhagen failed to follow Scotland’s lead and a key opportunity to tackle dangerous climate change was missed.

Jackie said, “With more and more extreme weather occurring across the globe there has never been a more vital time to support calls for action on climate change. The Scottish Parliament has become a global leader in fighting climate change and I am proud to support WWF’s Earth hour next month.”

Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland said, "WWF’s Earth Hour is a simple way for people to show their support for strong action on climate change. MSPs are leaders in their communities and we very much welcome their support in helping to make this the biggest show of support for action on climate change ever, as communities in Scotland join with communities all around the world.  You can switch off and support us at www.wwfscotland.org.uk/earthhour .”