SDLP Councillor Mary Durkan
She moved a motion in June 2019, unanimously backed by Derry City & Strabane District Council, declaring a climate emergency and calling for the establishment of an-party working group.
Cllr Durkan will also represent DCSDC on Stormont’s All-Party Group on Climate Action.
Said Foyleside councillor: “During the absence of Stormont institutions for three years, and particularly following the publication of the report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in October 2018, we have seen a major and necessary step-change at all levels in terms of tackling carbon emissions and the devastation of our planet.
“Derry City & Strabane District Council, working in partnership with various environmental groups, has shown leadership in climate action.
“Council has adopted a range of practical climate-conscious steps in recent years, such as the reusable nappy voucher scheme eliminating single-use plastic at facilities and events.
“We are one of the first councils to have a Green Infrastructure strategy in place.
“Our climate adaptation plan is at an advanced stage of development. Our council adopted a zero waste/ circular economy strategy and is the first member council of the Zero Waste Europe Network on these islands.
“We are glad to see the New Decade, New Approach deal acknowledged the need for immediate action to significantly cut carbon emission levels and the establishment of an independent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“There is an urgency about the need for an independent EPA given current gaps in accountability, as highlighted in various environmental campaigns and, indeed, before our courts.
“Given that a key theme in NDNA and the reinstatement of Stormont, has been regional balance via real commitment to the previously neglected North West, then due and serious consideration should be given to locating the new EPA in the Derry & Strabane area.”
Cllr Durkan urged members of the public to support Climate & Environment events taking place in this weekend.
The Youth Climate Strike will take place in the Guildhall Square at 1pm on Friday 14 February.
On Saturday 15 February 2020 the Environmental Gathering at St Columb’s Park house from 1pm until 5pm will bring together a range of environmental groups and campaigners.
Everyone is welcome to come along to listen and learn about various campaigns, exchange ideas, and hear from a Council officer about how the Climate Emergency is being tackled in our city and district.
She added: “It is important to acknowledge the brilliant work of environmental groups such as Zero Waste, Save Our Sperrins, Extinction Rebellion and Youth Climate Strike.”
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