Earth Hour Ambassador Takes Her First Step
26 Jan 2007
Earth Hour Ambassador, Sarah Bishop, a 22 year-old Brisbane resident, will embark on her journey from Brisbane to Sydney at 9.30am, on Saturday 27th January.
Sarah is walking the 1000kms to Sydney as way of voicing young Australians' concerns about global warming and to raise awareness about Earth Hour, Australia's largest climate change initiative.
In a world first, Sydney will turn off its lights for one hour at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 31, 2007 as a major step towards reducing the city's greenhouse gas pollution.
With the support of The City of Sydney and the NSW Government, Earth Hour will be the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut their emissions by 5 per cent in 2007.
"They say a journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step ... well I'll be walking 1000kms and I'd like to invite Brisbane residents to join me in taking that first step," Sarah said.
"Earth Hour is a great initiative for Sydney, this will be an opportunity for the people of Brisbane with similar views to come together and show their support for Australian community action on climate change".
Sarah is inviting local residents to see her off or walk part of the way with her along off road cycling and walking paths. They will meet at South Bank, outside the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) on the cultural forecourt.
Greg Bourne, CEO, WWF-Australia said: "Sarah's commitment to voicing young people's concerns about global warming is extraordinary - we wish her well on her journey and we're looking forward to seeing her in Sydney for Earth Hour."
"The Earth Hour campaign will send a powerful message to the world that it's possible to work together to make a massive contribution to reducing the effects of global warming."
During her two month journey, Sarah will exchange ideas and make presentations at communities along the way to illustrate the simple things people can do to make a difference.
Sarah said: "I'm doing this walk because I am concerned that we are going to face even worse droughts, bushfires and water restrictions in the future if we don't start believing that we can and must make a difference today."
For more information
Sarah Bishop
Mobile: 0410 390 666 (Sarah will be available for media at 8.30am on Saturday 27th)
