Brussels, 26/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - Many of the decision-makers in the European Union's institutions will be joining Earth Hour, a global initiative organised by WWF for the tenth consecutive year for the protection of the planet and dedicated in this year of the Paris Conference to the climate. At 8.30pm (20.30) local time on Saturday 28 March, people all around the globe wanting to do something to help tackle climate change and hoping for success at COP 21 will switch off their lights as a physical expression of their commitment.
European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic and several other commissioners, European Parliament President Martin Schulz and many MEPs have announced that they will be observing Earth Hour, publishing a message to the world on Wednesday 25 March. Sefcovic has called on everyone to participate and pledged to use his power to “change climate change”.
“The Paris climate conference this December will be decisive. All countries have to step up their efforts. I would like to count on your help and the help of the millions of people participating in Earth Hour to push for a successful Paris conference”, Climate Action Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete wrote in a blog post.
“Participating in Earth Hour is a small contribution to the fight against climate change but it is also a great opportunity to reflect on what more we can do. A harsh truth about climate change is that it will hit developing countries the hardest - the countries that are already the most vulnerable and least equipped to deal with it. This is why we, through the European Union's development cooperation, support the poorest countries in adopting sustainable, low carbon development paths, and help the most vulnerable people and communities adapt to climate change”, stated Neven Mimica, European International Cooperation and Development Commissioner in a video message on YouTube.
Tony Long, director of WWF European Policy Office, says that this is a crucial year for the climate: “it's important that the European institutions use their powers and political muscle to lead the way in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energies and driving the industrial and economic transition that is needed to protect people and the planet. By joining Earth Hour, these EU leaders become part of the biggest global movement to build a hopeful future for all life on the planet”. (Aminata Niang)