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Northern Ireland will support the transition to zero emission vehicles after a declaration was signed at COP26 in Glasgow.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon signed the Glasgow Declaration on Zero Emission Cars and Vans on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive.
Speaking after signing the declaration, Minister Mallon said: "This is a critical announcement for governments, businesses, and other organisations with an influence over the future of the automotive industry and road transport. I am pleased to sign this declaration to show that Northern Ireland has endorsed this COP26 declaration on accelerating the transition to 100% zero emission cars and vans.
"Together, we are committing to rapidly accelerating the transition to zero emission vehicles, to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, by agreeing that we will work towards all sales of new cars and vans being zero emission by no later than 2035.
"Across these islands, we have already seen significant innovation in transport decarbonisation. Specifically in relation to zero emission vehicles, key investment in innovative projects is delivering new vehicle and infrastructure technologies. These projects are providing economic benefits such as job creation and are unlocking private investment to support new technologies to come to market."
The Minister also highlighted the progress that is already being made in public transport sector following the announcement of 80 battery electric double decker buses to be introduced in Northern Ireland next year.
Yesterday, 10 November, is the first of a three day visit for Minister Mallon to COP26, where she also visited the Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and Belfast City Council stands.
"It is an honour to be here at COP26 to play my part working with leaders across these islands and across the globe to tackle the climate crisis," Minister Mallon added. "I look forward to and will embrace all the opportunities for collaboration and innovation this historic and important occasion presents us with. The time for action on climate change is now and while we have made some steps there is still much more to do. We need to get on with it now."
