Rochdale MP pledges to protect UK landscapes for Earth Hour 2022

Sir Tony Lloyd MP has joined the call by pledging to support UK nature and a net-zero future

Rochdale MP, Sir Tony Lloyd, has pledged to support a net-zero, nature-positive future for UK landscapes where people and nature thrive alongside each other, ahead of WWF’s Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is one of the world’s largest movements for the planet, organised by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Now in its 15th year, the annual event reminds us that even small actions can make a big difference for nature and the planet, and the WWF is calling on politicians to show their commitment to cutting emissions whilst restoring nature.

On Saturday 26 March at 8.30pm, lights around the world will go out for one hour, from Edinburgh Castle to Buckingham Palace, as well as hundreds of millions of people around the world.

In the UK alone, millions of people and iconic landmarks, including the London Eye, Royal Albert Hall, and National Museum Wales are expected to participate. 

Mr Lloyd said: "The rise in the global environmental movement in recent years – led by our youth – has shown us just how many people care about our planet.

"Nowhere is this clearer than in looking at how we use our land. Farming and land use sectors are responsible for 12% of the UK's territorial carbon emissions and are major contributors to the UK's global environmental footprint.

"Recent reports have found that nature-friendly and regenerative approaches to farming could deliver far greater emissions reductions than previously estimated by the Climate Change Committee.

"We need action now to bring plans forward to slash emissions from farming and land use in order to promote the recovery of our 'one shared home'."

​​​​​​How to get involved with Earth Hour

WWF is encouraging people to measure their environmental footprint with the online Footprint Calculator and by taking on challenges via the My Footprint app. For those who are keen to step up for the planet but unsure what action to take, the app provides a host of simple but effective actions to help make a difference on a daily basis.

The My Footprint app is available from IOS and Android stores for free. Search ‘WWF My Footprint’.