Press release

Now is the Time to Act on Climate Change

30 March 2012

Environmental campaigners will host a special Information Evening in The Clinton Centre, Enniskillen on Wednesday 18 April 2012, on how to get active on climate change.

Representatives of Stop Climate Chaos Northern Ireland - a coalition of environmental, human rights, and development charities - will be at the event to promote their Get in the Game campaign for a Northern Ireland Climate Change Act.

Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK that does not have binding targets on reducing carbon emissions. A climate law would ensure future Northern Ireland Executives deliver significant cuts in CO2.

Attendees of the Information Evening will learn what they need to do to lobby their MLAs and persuade them to pledge to support climate change legislation.

Christine McCartney, Campaigns and Advocacy Officer of Oxfam Ireland, said:

"Climate change is already devastating the lives of the millions who are struggling to grow food and carve out a livelihood in the face of increased flooding, drought and unpredictable weather. We know that across the world and here in Northern Ireland, the poorest people will be hit first and worst if we don't act to cut emissions and move to a low carbon future."

Niall Bakewell, Activism Co-ordinator of Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland, said:

"Northern Ireland could be a net exporter of renewable energy, but only if we make a drastic change in Executive policy, and this starts with a Climate Change Act. The rest of the UK and Ireland are ahead of us, and we need to catch up. Please come and join us this Wednesday and take part in the big push for a Climate Change Act.

The event will take place in the Clinton Centre, Belmore Street, Enniskillen from 6-7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

For more information contact Stop Climate Chaos or Friends of the Earth, or phone us on 028 9023 3488.

Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland
7 Donegall Street Place
BELFAST
BT1 2FN
Tel: 028 9023 3488
Fax: 028 9024 7556
Email: foe-ni@foe.co.uk.

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust