The SDLP is calling for action to be taken over climate change in Northern Ireland.

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan made the call after scientists urged the public to save our planet from climate change.

He said: "The report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change makes for worrying reading and should act as a stark wakeup call that this issue can no longer be shelved.

"As elected representatives and individuals we have a duty to ensure we are good caretakers of this planet. Unfortunately, due to brute ignorance of some Northern Ireland remains without any climate change legislation and in the absence of an Assembly that is unlikely to change anytime soon.

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"I would encourage all households across Northern Ireland to do their bit, whether it is by using public transport, cutting down on single use plastics or by consistently recycling."

Green Party leader Steven Agnew MLA said: "The IPCC Report has been written in extremely stark terms – we are facing into complete climate meltdown with governments around the world doing nothing to prevent it.

"Government in Northern Ireland hasn't burdened even as much as its fair share of effort on climate change.

"Previous Executives have failed to deliver a Climate Act, setting us apart from the devolved administrations of Scotland and Wales.

"This report sets out that doing nothing is not an option – the Secretary of State must do her job and move to implement a Climate Act for Northern Ireland."

(CD/CM)