LABOUR PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR EARTH HOUR
Labour spokesperson on Climate Change, Seán Sherlock TD, has encouraged people around Ireland to take a moment mark Earth Hour tonight, which is being observed around the world from 8.30pm.
Deputy Sherlock commented:
“This weekend, Irish people can highlight their concerns about the impact of climate change through minimal effort, just by turning off non-essential lights and unplugging appliances, or even turning off a computer rather than leaving it on stand-by, for just one hour. These simple but significant gestures will go some way toward reducing our overall energy consumption during this time.
“The symbolism of Earth Hour is also important, as it shows that we can all play a part in reducing our individual carbon footprints. For a small island like ours, climate change presents a very real danger, which we have already witnessed through the heavy flooding in parts of the country in recent years.
“The Labour Party is committed to tackling this issue head on, and we are currently preparing to launch a full set of proposals aimed at addressing some of these concerns over the next few weeks. Late last year, we also produced a Bill to remove microbeads and other microplastics from cosmetics and toiletries, to prevent them ending up in our rivers and sea and harming our marine life and animals. As Earth Hour tonight represents, these simple steps can go a long way.”