The Climate & Ecological Crisis
The climate and ecological emergency is the greatest challenge we face today. Current climate change is driven by human activities that release greenhouse gases, intensifying the natural "Greenhouse Effect" and warming the planet. Since the industrial revolution, global temperatures have risen by 1°C, leading to widespread and lasting changes to our climate.
Immediate action is needed to reduce emissions and achieve "Net-Zero" by balancing emissions with measures that absorb carbon. Shifting to a circular economy, where we use resources sustainably, is essential to prevent further harm to the planet and ecosystems. The first NI Climate Change Bill and subsequent Act was passed in 2022 establishing a Net Zero emissions target by 2050 and 46% methane reduction target by 2050.
Urgency of Action
Even if emissions stopped today, the gases already in our atmosphere would continue to cause warming. How much the planet warms depends on the steps we take now.
Climate action refers to efforts to reduce or prevent the impacts of climate change. It includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions through mitigation projects such as transitioning to renewable energy, and climate adaptation through strengthening resilience to climate-related risks.
Climate action is crucial to limiting global warming and protecting ecosystems, economies, and communities from the adverse effects of climate change
Nature and Climate: Linked Crises
Climate change and biodiversity loss are interconnected. Habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change have driven species to extinction. To halt this, we must not only prevent further loss but also restore natural habitats. Nature-based solutions, which protect and restore ecosystems, are vital for climate resilience and achieving net-zero.
The Crisis in Derry & Strabane
In Northern Ireland, temperatures have risen by more than 1°C since the 1950s, with heavier rainfall and more extreme weather events. The region is facing warmer, wetter winters and hotter, drier summers. Flooding poses a major risk, with 45,000 properties vulnerable across Northern Ireland. In 2017, Derry City and Strabane experienced severe flooding that destroyed infrastructure and displaced residents. As climate change worsens, such events will become more frequent.
The below chart shows the temperature change in Derry & Strabane between 1884 and 2023.
Derry and Strabane’s direct carbon footprint includes emissions from fuels such as petrol, diesel, and gas (Scope 1 emissions) and electricity usage (Scope 2 emissions), along with other territorial emissions. Between 2000 and 2022, emissions decreased by 20%, with total emissions in 2022 at 1.7 kt CO₂e compared to 2.2 kt in 2000.
This significant reduction is attributed to a combination of factors, including the decarbonisation of electricity, improvements in building and vehicle efficiency, and structural changes in the economy. Currently, 65% of all emissions from the region come from land-use and industry, with homes accounting for 15%, transport 12%, public and commercial buildings contributing 4%, and the waste sector emitting 3% of emissions.