An SDLP councillor is set to table a proposal to establish a Belfast climate change committee today, 21 May.

Lisnasharragh-based Cllr Séamas de Faoite is calling on Belfast City Council to develop a group to tackle the city's impact on the climate crisis and protect citizens from the effects of climate breakdown.

Speaking ahead of the motion, Cllr de Faoite said: "We are facing a global climate catastrophe. We must take action to address the impact of rising temperatures caused by human generated emissions within the next 11 years. This is no niche political hobby horse – it's an emergency and it demands immediate action at a local, national and international level.

-- Advertisement --

"MET Office projections show that by 2040, we can expect a more volatile climate with drier summers and more concentrated winter storms leading to further instances of flooding. Changes to our climate will have a significant impact on people, homes and businesses. It's critical that we make decisive interventions quickly."

The young law student is lobbying for new green space in the city to increase the permeability of the landscape as well as the implementation of rainwater harvesting technology and reducing our reliance on single use plastics.

He added: "This needs to be a political priority for our city and everyone in City Hall. I'm delighted to be working with the Green Party on this issue and I hope that we can secure cross party support."

(CM)