Simpson switches off for Earth Hour

There’s no denying singer-turnedswimmer Cody Simpson loves a challenge.

While the 27-year-old is in full training mode in the hopes of qualifying for the upcoming Paris Olympics, he also has another challenge on his mind.

The Gold Coast native is the face of WWF’s Challenge 60 campaign which encourages Aussies to get behind Earth Hour by switching off the lights for an hour and getting outdoors instead.

“Australia is home to unique wildlife found nowhere else in the world, but sadly, we hold the record for the most mammal extinctions on the planet,” Simpson said.

“Biodiversity loss and climate change continue to accelerate – by signing up to Challenge 60, we can help raise funds that will help protect and regenerate nature.”

Research by WWF found onethird of Aussies surveyed admitted that the time they spent outdoors had halved in the past year.

“Getting outdoors has so many benefits, both for your physical and mental wellbeing,” Simpson said.

“Whether you’re into a hike, playing sports or even taking advantage of the outdoor swimming pools in Australia, getting outside in your own backyard, and breathing in the fresh air will instantly make you happier”.

Simpson said his love of the water came from growing up on the Gold Coast with this family.

“We were always down at the beach,” he said.

WWF Australia’s head of Individual Giving, Rachael Lance, said while major Australian landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House would turn off their lights for Earth Hour on March 23, “by signing up to Challenge 60, you will be making an impact beyond the hour and helping protect and restore our planet for everything that calls it home.”

Sign up for Challenge 60 at earthhour.org.au.