The UK Climate Change Committee (CCC) is set to embark on a UK-wide tour, which will see members visit L'Derry later this month.

L'Derry is the only Northern Ireland stop on the tour and will see members gain a better understanding of the practical work taking place on the ground to tackle climate change, and the real-life barriers to local delivery.

The CCC is the UK's independent adviser on tackling climate change, and the delegation includes CCC Chairman Lord Deben and Chief Executive Chris Stark.

The CCC will meet with Deputy Mayor Christopher Jackson and representatives from local community groups, the arts and heritage sector, NGOs and schools at a reception on Monday 16 May before a full day of presentations and discussions on Tuesday 17 May.

Climate Programme Manager Cathy Burns will present an overview of climate action within Council before the committee receive updates on the Acorn Farm Sustainable Food Project and the GAA Green Clubs initiative. They will take part in a North West Youth Ministry Discussion before travelling to Brook Hall for a site visit with the ARCZero Project.

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Protecting the environment is a key priority identified in the DCSDC Strategic Growth Plan 2017-2032, and in 2019 Council declared a Climate Emergency which was followed by a Climate Emergency Pledge. Cathy Burns said the visit of the UK Climate Change Committee will be a great opportunity to highlight the fantastic work being done throughout the council area, and to be able to give local representatives a voice about what can be done on a wider scale to assist with the climate emergency.

"We are so pleased that the CCC will be visiting our district this month and we look forward to sharing with them some of the exciting initiatives that are ongoing, including the Acorn Farm Project. This will be an opportune moment for insightful discussions around what we are doing, what else we can do, and how we can work together to deliver on the conditions of our Climate Emergency Pledge to see a 'shift to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 while also ensuring that the Council area is prepared for and resilient to the effects of climate change'," said Derry City and Strabane District Council's Climate Programme Manager. "In addition to the Council's climate programmes, businesses and communities throughout the city and district are also delivering climate action, and representatives from climate action projects will be in attendance during the visit to also get involved in the discussions."

Lord Deben, Chairman of the Climate Change Committee (CCC) commented: "It is great to be heading to the Derry City and Strabane District Council area as we seek to learn more about delivering a fair Net Zero for the UK across regions, local authorities and in communities. To reach Net Zero, the work of Derry City and Strabane District Council, alongside the actions of local people and businesses is key. What we hear from these conversations will help to inform our advice to the UK Government, due to be published in June."