For one hour between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Saturday 28 March 2015, lights around the world will be switched off in support for the Earth Hour, organised by WWF.

Earth Hour will be recognised by Torbay Council by a ‘switch off’ of approximately 3,200 decorative lights and 23 street lights on Paignton Seafront and Eastern Esplanade.

Earth Hour is a unique annual phenomenon that focuses the world's attention on our amazing planet, and how we need to protect it.

At 8.30pm on 28 March, hundreds of millions of people will turn off non-essential lights of homes and businesses for one hour, on the same night, all across the world in a huge, symbolic show of support.

Torbay Council's Executive Lead for Safer Communities, Highways, Environment and Sport, Councillor Robert Excell, said: "Earth Hour is all about getting people globally to think about environmental issues, including climate change. We all have a responsibility to protect our planet for future generations.

"We hope Earth Hour will inspire everyone, including businesses, community groups and residents, to show their support and think about how they use energy and the steps they can take on this important environmental issue."

Damian Offer, Director of Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, said: "Earth Hour has grown from a rallying cry to tackle climate change into a global movement driving positive action for the environment. Here in Torbay, our daily lives are enriched by beauty of our coastline, countryside and sea, all of which are threatened by climate change and other pressures, many of which arise from human activity. We must safeguard these precious natural assets and secure their benefits for our children and grandchildren. We must act now to address the causes of climate change and reduce our impact on this wonderful, unique planet that we call home.

“I wholeheartedly support Torbay Council in embracing this symbolic global movement and sincerely hope that Earth Hour 2015 stimulates further action within Torbay to address the causes of climate change and safeguard our precious natural environment."

Information on how people can get involved in Earth Hour can be found at earthhour.wwf.org.uk

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