Lights out at UK Parliament and Big Ben for Earth Hour

The UK Houses of Parliament and Big Ben will be plunged into darkness today as part of a global environmental campaign. They will join thousands of landmarks across London and […]

The UK Houses of Parliament and Big Ben will be plunged into darkness today as part of a global environmental campaign.

They will join thousands of landmarks across London and the world, including the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building, in a global gesture of solidarity in the fight against climate change.

WWF’s Earth Hour aims to unite people to protect the planet and will take place today from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.

All non-essential and external lights will be switched off in Parliament, which has reduced its overall carbon footprint by 22% since 2008.

It has cut electricity, gas and waste consumption by 12$, 10% and 42% respectively. Around 64% of the general waste is also recycled.

John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons said: “Earth Hour has become a firm fixture in the annual Parliamentary calendar and we are rightly proud of this, as we are of our longstanding commitment to improving sustainability across the parliamentary estate.

“By turning out the lights for an hour, we hope to raise awareness and show that we are playing our part in combatting climate change.”

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