Green means go forDerry and Strabane

The Council’s Climate Programme Manager, Cathy Burns spoke about the intentions of the meeting.

She said: “We’re particularly focused on the building we’re at today which is the Guildhall and we’re focusing on particular risks around increased storm damage, flooding, and sea-level rise.”

DC&SDC is the first council in Northern Ireland to develop a Climate Adaptation Plan. This looks at what the risks are to the North West from climate change and how the region can adapt to be ready for them.

Ms. Burns said: “It’s about being prepared for severe weather events and also being more resilient and helping our communities be more resilient, which is crucial.

“We do a lot of work with our communities in developing their own individual community resilience plans.”

She said it was important everyone took responsibility.

“Obviously we as a Council and other agencies in government have to lead by example and help facilitate action, but importantly we all have a part to play.”

Local Councillor Eamonn McCann said: “The Council’s approach is, I would say, it’s the best approach of any in the North. I would also say that it’s not nearly good enough.”

Maeve O’Neill, chair of Zero Waste North West, said: “Climate change is the greatest threat to humanity that we are facing and it can be overwhelming on that scale because it is a global crisis. The local councils have a role to play in the crisis we are facing.”