People must work together to tackle the massive environmental challenge of climate change, Northern Ireland Transport Minister Conor Murphy has announced.

Speaking as he addressed an international conference delegation which included leading world climate change experts who arrived in Belfast today for the first National Travelwise Association (NTWA) Conference to be hosted by Northern Ireland, the Minister said: "Decision-makers in the business, engineering, environment and communications sectors all have an obligation to effectively address issues relating to climate change and transport.

"It is vital that key stakeholders have a clear understanding of the potential impacts and response strategies to climate change. This conference will assist them with the development of environmental protection plans by offering expert advice from respected international authorities."

The two-day conference entitled 'Transport and Climate Change: Understand the Problem, Be Part of the Solution' has been organised by Travelwise NI, a Department for Regional Development (DRD) Roads Service initiative, and examines the global impact of climate change, focusing on how the private and public sectors can react to help build a more sustainable future.

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NTWA Chairman Neil Scales said that the focus of this year's event was to crack down on one of the main contributing factors to climate change. "By selecting the them of 'Transport and Climate Change', the National Travelwise Association is urging society to preserve the planet for generations to come by addressing these serious challenges which can no longer be ignored. This conference will offer sustainable transport practitioners a range of workable solutions and preventative measures against further environmental damage."

DRD acting Permanent Secretary David Sterling, who is due to open the event, emphasised the significance of the NTWA Conference, said: "This conference demonstrates to a global audience the local effort being made to combat climate change. I am especially delighted to welcome the international speakers and delegates whose dedication to addressing this serious problem has been inspirational. Northern Ireland is firmly focused on driving forward initiatives such as Travelwise NI to meet the targets set in government’s Sustainable Development Strategy. The high level of local participation at this event emphasises Northern Ireland’s commitment to tackling environmental issues."

The event is sponsored by Translink, the Department for Transport & Marine, Ireland, Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services and Atkins.

For further information contact Travelwise NI on: 02890 541361 or email: [email protected].

(JM)