Minister Eamon Ryan has addressed the launch of a new political mass-movement in Trinity College Dublin.

The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) is one of the main supporters behind the Student Action on Climate Change campaign, which is also supported by the Stop Climate Change Coalition.

USI Environmental Awareness Officer Dave Curran said: "We intend that the Student Action on Climate Change campaign should become the largest political mass-movement Ireland has ever seen.

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"The campaign is uniting people from all walks of life in common purpose. Our grassroots are students and young people – joined by supporters of all ages – all committed to reducing Ireland's carbon footprint. What unites us is a determination to agitate for real action to reduce our impact on the Earth’s climate from individuals, from the State and from business.

"Think of this planet as our biggest ever home investment. We cannot, as citizens, afford to neglect our home and allow parts of it to become uninhabitable now or in the future.

"Mainly we intend to put pressure on those that should be leading the way in tackling this issue - politicians, business and the Irish government."

The campaign encourages individuals to re-evaluate decisions on environmental issues.

(GK/JM)