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At 8.30pm on Saturday 26 March 2022, Woking Borough Council will join millions across the world to mark WWF's Earth Hour by switching off its lights for one hour to show it is committed to protecting the future of our planet.
By joining the global event, the Council will take part in a symbolic moment to highlight global issues facing the planet and to remind us that, together, we have the power to make change happen.
The future of the planet is at risk, particularly from the effects of climate change. Many of the world's most threatened species like tigers and orangutans live in areas that are being severely affected by climate change. For many, WWF's Earth Hour is a chance to show they care about the planet and is the first step to helping protect its future.
To mark the occasion, the Council will be switching off all non-operational lights at the Civic Offices at 8.30pm on Saturday 26 March 2022 for one hour. Before Earth Hour starts, WWF-UK is encouraging participants to download the My Footprint app to help them understand their environmental impact and receive practical advice on how to make some positive changes.
Cllr Kevin Davis, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, said: "Earth Hour is an incredibly important event, helping to draw global attention to the climate crisis facing us all. We recognise that the Council has a key role in tackling the causes and effects of climate change.
“Woking has long been committed to protecting the environment, with our first climate change strategy adopted in 2002. Our most recent strategy, Woking 2050, sets out a vision for guiding our collective efforts towards a sustainable borough by reducing our impact on the environment. In 2019, we called a ‘climate and ecological emergency’, pledging to become carbon neutral by 2030 by reducing greenhouse emissions associated with our own estate and operations. Meanwhile, Planet Woking is our initiative to help local residents and organisations make changes that will have a positive impact on the environment.
“As the home of WWF-UK, we are encouraging our residents, businesses and communities across the Borough to get involved and take an hour to reflect on what the environment means to them. Everyone has a role to play in protecting our planet, and this small action will help us all to remember that the changes we make can have a big impact on climate change.”
Everyone can join WWF's Earth Hour on Saturday 26 March 2022. For more information and to sign up, visit www.wwf.org.uk/earthhour. To find out more about what you can do to reduce your carbon footprint, visit planetwoking.co.uk/.