(OTTAWA) March 19, 2016 –The Green Party of Canada released the following statement to mark Earth Hour 2016:
“Earth Hour is a reminder that the small steps we take as individuals can have a collective impact on the environment and energy consumption,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada. “At COP21, Canada and the world committed to an eventual end to fossil fuels. While the hard work is still ahead, let us show our collective support for these critical climate goals as we share an hour in the dark – and in solidarity.”
“Reducing CO2 emissions is the most pressing challenge of the 21st century, but we can all show our symbolic support by reducing the power load in our respective cities, towns and hamlets for just one hour tonight,” said Bruce Hyer, Deputy Leader of the Green Party of Canada. “As Canada moves toward renewed and meaningful climate targets, the Green Party officially supports the carbon-pricing plan proposed by the Citizen’s Climate Lobby. By putting money directly into the pockets of Canadians, we can reduce CO2 emissions and poverty simultaneously, which would be a win for both our economy and the people who depend on our planet.”
Ms. May added: “We must do more than greenwash our current economy. Real climate action means embracing an economic opportunity on the scale of the transition from horse and buggy to the Model T Ford. This is a new industrial revolution, and Canada has been lagging.
“For the sake of job creation, innovation and competitiveness, we have to catch up. In 2016, there is no economic strategy that does not start with the fundamental question: Does this investment help us get off fossil fuels?”
The World Wildlife Fund established Earth Hour to raise awareness about climate change. It was first officially recognized in Canada in 2008.