Council doing great work on climate change despite 'glacial' pace of action says Derry MLA Mark H. Durkan

Mr. Durkan backed a successful motion tabled at Stormont on Tuesday that called on the Environrment Minister Edwin Poots to introduce a Climate Change Act with 'legally binding and ambitious sectoral emission reduction targets'.

DC&SDC recently became the first council area in the north to adopt a Climate Change Adaptation Plan after an all-party climate emergency working was set up to look at ways of reducing carbon emissions.

The council's extensive ‘Green Infrastructure Plan 2019 - 2032’ aims to improve the quality of life of citizens, protect biodiversity and reduce the city’s carbon footprint in an effort to slow down climate change.

Speaking in the Assemby this week Mr. Durkan said: "I was going to say that things here happen at a glacial pace, but thanks to global warming the glaciers are probably moving quicker than we are. Having said that, I must acknowledge Minister Poots's green growth plans, the visionary work of Nichola Mallon as Minister for Infrastructure and the great work that has been done by many of our councils, including Derry City and Strabane District Council.