LISTEN: Open letter to FM and DFM calls out ‘unambitious’ Environment Strategy

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First Minister Paul Givan

By Q Radio News

An open letter highlighting concerns around the Executive's perceived inability to address the climate emergency has been sent to the First and deputy First Ministers.

The letter is signed by 34 organisations and individuals.

The signatories say they want to send a clear message that the Strategy contains weak targets and lacks ambition.

The signatories agree that the Executive must act with urgency and ambition to create a climate-safe, nature-rich, healthy world and that the strategy should recognise that the nature and climate emergency is one of the defining issues of our time and Northern Ireland is no exception.

Joanne Sherwood from RSPB NI says with Northern Ireland ranking the twelth worst out of 240 countries for biodiversity loss, more needs to be done:

“We welcome this Environment Strategy consultation but are concerned that it will not adequately address the nature and climate emergency we are facing locally.  

''Northern Ireland has been ranked the 12th worst out of 240 countries for biodiversity loss.

''Therefore, it is essential that our politicians and government act now, matching the severity of the issue with action.

“The majority of commitments outlined in the strategy are not time-bound or binding, with some of the targets falling short of actions currently required by law.

“This is simply not good enough.

“This decade is crucial for action, and the decisions made by the Northern Ireland Executive now will have lasting impacts for generations to come.

''We urge our MLAs and the Executive to step up and act with ambition and urgency to effect real change, including with this Environment Strategy.”

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