Shining alight onthe planet
Kirsten Oswald MP has pledged to support a net-zero, nature-positive future for UK landscapes where people and nature thrive alongside each other.
East Renfrewshire representative Kirsten was speaking in the wake of lights going off for an hour from 8.30pm on Saturday, March 26 as millions of people around the world took part in Earth Hour.
Lights went off on iconic landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, the London Eye, and the National Museum of Wales.
WWF, which initiated Earth Hour in 2007, invited politicians to show their commitment to cutting emissions while restoring nature, which they argue must be at the heart of tackling the climate crisis.
WWF research has highlighted that farming and land use sectors are responsible for 12 per cent of the UK’s territorial carbon emissions and are major contributors to the UK’s global environmental footprint.
WWF’s Land of Plenty report argues that naturefriendly and regenerative approaches to farming could deliver far greater reductions in emissions than previously estimated by the Climate Change Committee which advises the UK and Scottish Governments on climate targets.
Kirsten said: “I was delighted to join a recent Earth Hour event in Parliament, shining a light on nature’s role in climate, with a particular focus on agriculture, land use and food. We need to do more to restore nature and slash emissions.
“This must be done in partnership with farmers, giving them the support they need to transition to naturefriendly and regenerative approaches to agriculture.
“This year’s Earth Hour was the 15th promoted by WWF.
“As an annual event it gives us a chance to take a moment in solidarity and reflection on how to look after each other and our one shared home.”