Press release

Campaigners at Stormont Urge the Assembly to Get in the Game on Climate Change

8 May 2012

Campaigners from throughout Northern Ireland gathered in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings today, Tuesday 8 May 2012, to tell their MLAs to "Get in the Game" on climate change.

The event was organised by Stop Climate Chaos Northern Ireland, a coalition of environment and development NGOs, with the sponsorship of MLAs Anna Lo, John Dallat, and Peter Weir.

Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK that does not have binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Stop Climate Chaos has been campaigning for the Assembly to pass legislation that would deliver a significant reduction of Northern Ireland's carbon footprint over the next 40 years.

MLAs were asked to record their commitment to passing a climate change law by signing rugby balls.

Anna Lo MLA stated her support for the campaign, saying:

"We need a Northern Ireland Climate Change Act with specific targets to ensure that all government Departments take action to reduce carbon emissions in Northern Ireland in line with other parts of the UK.

"We are only transient on this planet and we need to protect the environment for generations to come."

Gary McFarlane, Chair of Stop Climate Chaos Northern Ireland, said:

"We are delighted that so many people took the time out to come to Parliament Buildings today, and lobby their MLAs on this issue.

"Action on climate change has never been more urgent and now we have the opportunity to get in the game. We have an Environment Minister who has stated his desire to pass this legislation, and the majority of MLAs in our Assembly support the development of a low carbon economy."

Mr McFarlane continued:

"We want Northern Ireland to be at the forefront of tackling this global challenge, not playing catch-up while other economies adapt to a cleaner, greener future.

"Those who stand in the way of this legislation will stand in the way of economic progress as the rest of the world decarbonises and becomes more self-sufficient. Today we call on the Assembly to pass a Northern Ireland Climate Change Act at the earliest within the next twelve months."

Find out more about the campaign.

Friends of the Earth Northern Ireland
7 Donegall Street Place
BELFAST
BT1 2FN
Tel: 028 9023 3488
Fax: 028 9024 7556
Email: [email protected]

Published by Friends of the Earth Trust