Rochdale MP, 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, one of the world’s largest events to protect the planet.

Tony 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’.”

On Saturday the 26th of 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. 

WWF is calling on politicians to show their commitment to cutting emissions while restoring nature which must be at the heart of tackling the climate crisis.

Ahead of Earth Hour’s 15^th anniversary, Tony joined the call by pledging to support UK nature and a net zero future.

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Notes for editors:

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’. 

About Earth Hour:
Earth Hour is one of the world’s largest movements for the planet. It gives us a chance to take a moment in solidarity, coming together to look after each other and our one shared home.  
Now in its 15th year, the annual event is organised by WWF and partners across the world and led by the Earth Hour community. It reminds us that even small actions can make a big difference for nature and the planet. When we make changes in our own lives to reduce our footprint, we inspire those around us to do the same. Together, we are a powerful global movement that governments and businesses can’t ignore.  
Be part of the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #EarthHourUK and our handle @wwf_uk. 

About WWF
WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature) is one of the world’s largest independent conservation organisations, active in nearly 100 countries. Our supporters – more than five million of them – are helping us to restore nature and to tackle the main causes of nature’s decline, particularly the food system and climate change. We’re fighting to ensure a world with thriving habitats and species, and to change hearts and minds so it becomes unacceptable to overuse our planet’s resources.