The Climate Change Bill has been passed at its Final Stage in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

This major move sees the region join the rest of Western Europe with distinct climate legislation.

Welcoming the passing of the Bill, Green Party NI Leader Clare Bailey MLA said: "The Green Party NI has secured the passage of 12 amendments to transform this Bill, including the inclusion of a net-zero emissions target. Other Green amendments include an independent Climate Commissioner, soil quality and biodiversity targets, Just Transition principles and a bespoke Just Transition Fund for Agriculture.

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"The Bill is not everything that we wanted, but it is an important first step which we need to keep building on. What we need to see now from the NI Assembly, from every Department and from every political party is the bravery to step up and put the policies in place that will secure a sustainable future in which the people of Northern Ireland can thrive.

"The climate crisis is the biggest crisis facing humanity and our planet. We need to play our part, and with this legislation, we now have the building blocks to start moving forward."