Simon Thomas AM supports WWF Cymru’s Earth Hour 2018 by using an electric vehicle

Mid and West AM Simon Thomas has pledged his support for WWF’s Earth Hour campaign 2018 – the global movement to protect our planet by pledging to use an electric vehicle this year.

Every year, millions of people across the world show their love for our planet and their commitment to protecting it by taking part in WWF’s Earth Hour.

Last year in Wales, an estimated 280,000 took part in WWF’s Earth Hour, as did every single local authority in the country. Iconic Welsh landmarks like the Senedd in Cardiff Bay, the National Library in Aberystwyth, and Caernarfon and Caerphilly castles all went dark.

As part of this year’s Earth Hour campaign, Simon Thomas has backed WWF Cymru’s calls for everyone in Wales to make small changes in their everyday lives to live more sustainably – a ‘Promise for the Planet’. Refusing plastics cutlery, using a reusable coffee cup or turning the washing to 30°C are small actions as individuals, but have a much bigger impact together.

Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Climate Change and Rural Affairs Simon Thomas said:

My promise was to use an electric vehicle. You can drive by electric car from Cardiff to Orkney, but not from Cardiff to Bangor. There is a huge gap in mid Wales for charging infrastructure. Some of the charging points we have would be comparable to filling a petrol car with a thimble.

So I was delighted Plaid Cymru secured £2M for electric car charging in this budget. I want to see mid and rural Wales prioritised for this development.

“I’m delighted to pledge my support for WWF’s Earth Hour campaign this year.

“We know that climate change is going to have a massive impact on the way we all live our lives, but if individuals take small steps to live more sustainably, and if politicians take action to create a green economy and tackle climate change, we can help by doing our bit.

“I’m encouraging everyone to make a Promise for the Planet and support Earth Hour on the night by switching off at 8.30pm on Saturday 24 March.”