A SOUTHAMPTON MP has pledged to make the planet a priority ahead of World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour.

Taking place from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on March 24, the event is the world’s largest show of support for our planet.

Lights around the world will go out for the hour, from the Taj Mahal to Buckingham Palace, as well as in hundreds of millions of homes around the world.

In the UK, more than eight million people, and 300 landmarks, including The Shard, Edinburgh Castle and Carnaby Street, are expected to participate.

The WWF is calling on politicians to show their commitment to tackling key environmental issues such as restoring wildlife, acting on climate change and ending plastic pollution by joining in and making a pledge.

Yesterday. Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead joined the call by pledging to act now on climate change by keeping global temperature increase below 1.5C

This year Earth Hour is also calling on people to make a ‘Promise for the Planet’ – a small lifestyle change that, combined with thousands of other pledges, can make a big difference to tackle pollution and climate change. The promises include refusing plastic cutlery, switching to a green energy provider and reducing the amount of meat you eat.

Mr Whitehead said: “The WWF’s Earth Hour provides an opportunity to raise awareness of some of the biggest environmental challenges facing our generation. I hope by making this promise today that I can encourage others to make a pledge too. Together we can make a difference.”

Tony Juniper, of WWF, said: “Much of the wildlife we love is being seriously threatened by the pressures we put on our planet, including the effects of climate change, pollution, deforestation and generally living beyond the Earth’s means.

“We’re delighted to see MPs from across the UK give their support to Earth Hour and make a pledge to protect the planet. We hope they will inspire many others in their constituencies and communities to make a promise of their own.”