Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Climate Breakdown, Caoimhe Archibald MLA, has today called for all parties to engage in serious and meaningful debate on how climate breakdown can be avoided. 

The comments came following the publication of a UN Environment Programme report which stated current levels fossil fuel production are more than double what can be extracted to reach 1.5 degree target of warming.

The East Derry MLA said:

“The release of this UN report is another shocking wake-up call for world leaders, for our society, but also for political parties during this election campaign.

“The so-called ambitious pledges agreed at COP21 are still propelling the world towards 3-4 degrees of warming – this would be catastrophic.

“To put it bluntly, the current efforts to tackle climate breakdown will still lead to irreversible and profound damage to our natural environment and our way of life.

“The time for tinkering around the edges is over. We need a Green New Deal that will transform our society and the economy, raising living standards and reducing emissions at the same time.

“All parties must make clear that they understand the urgency and seriousness of tackling climate breakdown.”