DEESIDE'S Assembly Member has pledged to support this year's Earth Hour.

Jack Sargeant AM said he will support the World Wide Fund Cymru's Earth Hour, in which millions of people switch off their lights for 60 minutes and organise events in their communities.

This year's event will take place on March 30 from 8.30-9.30pm and homes, businesses and landmarks across Wales are expected to take part.

Last year over 400,000 people in Wales, took part to send a clear message: 'we care about the future of our planet'.

In 2018, Wales’ iconic landmarks including the Senedd and Cardiff Castle joined global landmarks, from the Empire State building to Sydney Opera House, to switch off for the planet.

As part of this year’s Earth Hour campaign, Jack Sargeant AM is supporting WWF Cymru’s calls for people in Wales to pledge to make one small change in their everyday lives to help protect the planet.

This can include using a reusable coffee cup, turning the washing to 30C or even helping to restore nature in the community.

The Alyn and Deeside AM said these small actions could have a significant, collective impact on the future of our planet.

He added: "This year I am pledging to reduce the amount of plastic I buy. As a politician, and as an individual, I know I have a vital part to play in safeguarding the future of the natural world.

"We know the planet is under threat from the devastating impacts of climate change and we have seen wildlife populations plummet in Wales.

"We depend on nature for clean air and water, fertile soils and improving our wellbeing - action must be taken to protect and restore it.

"We will all feel the impact if we do not do our bit to tackle climate change and put the world on a path to recovery. Therefore, I’m encouraging everyone to make a pledge for Earth Hour and switch off at 8.30pm on Saturday 30th March."

More information can be found online at www.wwf.org.uk/wales/earthhour.

Flintshire Council is also taking action in the worldwide annual environment event.

Last year, the council generated 4.5 million kWh of electricity from renewable and low carbon sources such as solar PV and wind. This is equivalent to the electricity used in around 1500 homes each year.

But they aim to do more, by installing more renewable energy and promoting and enabling green transport and active travel. They are also reviewing their natural connections and undertaking tree planting across the county which will be essential to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

The council has also been working in partnership with Plas Derw Trust to design and pilot the Flintshire Eco Champions programme across a number of schools. This has focused on sustainability including the impacts climate change, enhancing biodiversity, reducing waste, saving energy and how pupils and schools can take action.

Council Leader, Councillor Aaron Shotton, said: "Flintshire County Council will be once again taking part in this global event. We have already taken numerous steps to reduce our own carbon footprint, improving energy efficiency and installing renewable heating and electricity generation systems on our own buildings and housing.

"This has led to a 37 per cent decrease in carbon emissions in our non-domestic buildings such as schools and offices. In 2017-18 the council generated 4.5 MW of low carbon and renewable electricity, approximately 5 per cent of the council’s electricity usage.

"This is equivalent to the power used in around 1500 homes and has saved an estimated 2000 tonnes of carbon."