Representatives from Scotland, Wales, Australia, Mexico and Brazil were joined by NI Environment Minister Edwin Poots to highlight the importance of collaborative action to take climate change.

The leaders were in attendance at a COP26 event to overview their key achievements and the challenges they face to reach global climate targets.

Speaking following the event, Minister Poots said: "With the focus of COP26 often on world leaders and the main signatory party countries, it can be easy to overlook the crucial role of states and regions who are not signatory parties in their own right. However, we all have a part to play when it comes to tackling climate change. To achieve success we must work together – across national, regional, and local governments. I pushed for Northern Ireland to join the Under2 Coalition for this reason, as it opens up a network of states and regions where we can share information and learning representing 260 Governments, 1.75 Billion people and 50% of the global economy."

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Poots shared his delight at representing NI globally and sharing the stage with leaders from all over the world.

"Tackling climate change is a key priority for my Department and the Northern Ireland Executive," Poots added. "To drive forward action to tackle climate change across the Executive in line with the commitment in 'New Decade, New Approach' my Department is leading on the development of a cross-cutting multi-decade Green Growth strategy on behalf of the entire Northern Ireland Executive. The Green Growth Strategy sets out the long-term vision and a solid framework for tackling the climate crisis, helping us meet our targets, and feed into the UK's goal of achieving net zero by 2050.

"Northern Ireland is already a leader in renewable electricity, achieving 45% of electricity consumption from renewables. We have also had considerable success in diversion of waste from landfill, and the associated emissions, with recycling rates in Northern Ireland now exceeding 50%. There is also exciting work underway to develop our budding hydrogen industry with companies like Wrightbus pioneering hydrogen fuel technology.

"My own Department is also leading on a number of key initiatives to drive forward more action to tackle climate change including climate change legislation, future agricultural policy, soil nutrient health scheme, food strategy, Forests for Our Future, a Peatlands Strategy and the Environment Strategy. All of which will help in the collective efforts to reduce carbon emissions and ensure that we have a more resilient environment."