Green Party Northern Ireland MLAs Clare Bailey and Rachel Woods and Green Councillors joined young people in Belfast city centre this afternoon as part of the global youth climate strike. The protest was organised by the Youth Climate Association Northern Ireland (YCANI), and took place in Cornmarket from 12-2pm.
Clare Bailey MLA, Green Party NI Leader, said: “The numbers taking part in today’s climate strike demonstrates the strength of feeling amongst young people that political leaders take urgent action to combat the climate emergency. Northern Ireland has a poor record on emissions reduction, and is the only part of the UK and Ireland without dedicated climate legislation. That needs to change.
“The Assembly is currently considering the PMB Climate Change No.1 Bill, which I am the lead sponsor of, and is co-sponsored by Sinn Fein, SDLP, UUP, Alliance, PBP and a number of independent MLAs. The Bill sets the ambitious target of net-zero by 2045, and creates the pathway to a just transition where no-one is left behind.
“The Bill is ambitious because it has to be, Northern Ireland is a climate laggard. The IPCC have now declared Code Red for Humanity. The time for talking is done. Now is the time for action.
“It’s now more important than ever that pressure is put on the politicians and parties at Stormont to ensure that the Climate Change Bill is passed. All the young people involved in today’s climate strike deserve credit for the leadership they have shown in ensuring that climate action remains at the top of the political agenda."
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Media contact: Jack O’Dwyer-Henry (07504410770)