Scottish Natural Heritage celebrates WWF’s Earth Hour

By joining the global celebration, SNH will take part in a symbolic moment through an hour of energy saving and help put a spotlight on the issues facing the planet and to remind us that, together, we have the power to make change happen.

The future of our planet is at risk, particularly from the effects of climate change. In Scotland our climate has warmed over the last few decades; sea-levels have risen, rainfall patterns have changed and we have been impacted by extreme weather events. Climate projections for the next century indicate that these trends will continue and intensify over the coming decades. This has and will have implications for Scotland’s natural heritage.

The unprecedented rate of human-induced climate change threatens plants and animals that are unable to adapt quickly enough to its effects. This is happening now, and how we choose to respond will affect not only individual species and our distinctive landscapes, but also our lifestyles, our economy and our culture.

Heavier rain events may result in more severe spates in many rivers, potentially damaging salmon spawning grounds with greater frequency. Reduction in mountain snow cover may reduce the extent of some montane plants. Extreme events such as heavy spring rainfall could reduce the survival of young mammals, birds and plants. However, indirect effects may be just as significant, e.g. young birds might not hatch at the same time as their prey and flowers might not open when their pollinators are active. Some effects are particularly unpredictable, such as changes in the relationship between pests/diseases and their hosts, between predators and prey, and on the competitive balance between species. Read more about changes to Scotland’s biodiversity as a result of climate change here.

For many, WWF’s Earth Hour is a chance to show they care about our brilliant planet and is the first step to helping to protect its future.

To celebrate the global event, SNH will be:

• Switching off all non-essential lights at our offices at 8.30pm on 19 March for one hour
• Encouraging our employees, customers and the public to sign up

Susan Davies, CEO of SNH said: “We are proud to take part in WWF’s Earth Hour and encourage our staff to take part in this inspiring event. Everyone can make a difference to help protect our natural environment and this event should make us think about and challenge our own behaviours.”

Jennifer Clements, spokesperson for WWF-UK, said: “We’re thrilled that SNH will be taking part in WWF’s Earth Hour this year and hope that they’ll inspire many others to get involved. By taking one simple step to switch off, WWF’s Earth Hour is a chance for all of us to come together and send out a global message about protecting our planet.”

Over the last decade, WWF’s Earth Hour’s unique display of darkness has become a global phenomenon with hundreds of millions of individuals coming together each year. In 2015, a record-breaking 172 countries and some of world’s most famous buildings including Big Ben, Hong Kong’s skyline and the Sydney Harbour Bridge joined the global celebration. In the UK alone, over 10 million people took part, along with over 4,800 schools, 200 landmarks and thousands of businesses and organisations.

Everyone can join the celebration for WWF’s Earth Hour on Saturday 19 March 2016. For more information and to sign up please visit wwf.org.uk/earthhour

Join in the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #EarthHourUK and @wwf_uk.

To view pictures from Earth Hour 2015, please visit WWF photo gallery. If prompted please enter password: WWFe4rthh0ur2016

About Earth Hour

Earth Hour, organised by WWF, is the world’s biggest celebration for our amazing planet. In the UK last year, over 10 million people took part, along with over 4,800 schools, 200 landmarks and thousands of businesses and organisations. Iconic landmarks including Big Ben and Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Blackpool Tower, The Kelpies, Caerphilly Castle and many more joined the global lights out.

Globally, from Samoa to Tahiti, a record 172 countries and territories took part in the world’s biggest Earth Hour yet. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa in Dubai, South Africa’s Table Mountain, The Acropolis in Athens, The Eiffel Tower in Paris, The Empire State Building and Times Square in New York City, and the Las Vegas Strip were just a few of the world-famous landmarks that joined in.