Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald said an opportunity has been missed at COP25 for countries to show the commitment and ambition to action required to tackle the climate emergency.

The party’s climate action spokesperson said:

“COP25 was an opportunity for countries to show they were taking the climate emergency seriously and showing real commitment and ambition to the action required to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees.

“Climate science is crystal clear but it is not simply enough to recognise this, real action in limiting emissions is required.

“There was an opportunity at COP25 for countries to show the commitment to act and instead it is disappointing that the can has been kicked down the road, in only recognising the need for ‘enhanced ambition’.

“Time is running out, ambition alone is not enough, we need to see action now.

“In particular those countries responsible for the highest levels of emissions need to be accountable for the reduction required and they need to accept that responsibility.

“The demand for action from citizens is not going to go away, politicians need to listen and they need to act.”