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12/08/2019
Council Task Force On Climate Change Launched
In a first for Belfast City Council, a newly established task force dedicated to climate change is set to meet today, Monday 12 August.
The cross-party effort has been launched in the hope of putting climate change resilience firmly on the agenda through monthly meetings to monitor the challenges and risks facing the city.
Made up of one member of each of the eight political parties represented on the council, the working group will make recommendations on a series of interventions designed to protect against the current and future impact of climate breakdown.
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor John Finucane welcomed the initiative which he believes will ensure the city's most vulnerable citizens will be protected.
He said: "Climate change has reached a point where we need to make urgent and concerted efforts to understand and prepare for its impact – both through research and considering good practice from other cities.
"Fortunately, our membership of the 100 Resilient Cities Network will give us access to international knowledge, interventions and best practice.
"We need to know how climate change is likely to impact on our citizens' health and wellbeing, but also how it may have a knock on effect on the ambitions we've set out in the Belfast Agenda, including attracting and retaining investment. We've also got a responsibility as civic leader to inform our residents and encourage positive changes in business and community behaviour."
Advised by the city's Commissioner for Resilience, the task force will have an important working relationship with external stakeholders and partners including the recently established Belfast Climate Commission, in partnership with Queen's University.
(JG/CM)
The cross-party effort has been launched in the hope of putting climate change resilience firmly on the agenda through monthly meetings to monitor the challenges and risks facing the city.
Made up of one member of each of the eight political parties represented on the council, the working group will make recommendations on a series of interventions designed to protect against the current and future impact of climate breakdown.
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor John Finucane welcomed the initiative which he believes will ensure the city's most vulnerable citizens will be protected.
He said: "Climate change has reached a point where we need to make urgent and concerted efforts to understand and prepare for its impact – both through research and considering good practice from other cities.
"Fortunately, our membership of the 100 Resilient Cities Network will give us access to international knowledge, interventions and best practice.
"We need to know how climate change is likely to impact on our citizens' health and wellbeing, but also how it may have a knock on effect on the ambitions we've set out in the Belfast Agenda, including attracting and retaining investment. We've also got a responsibility as civic leader to inform our residents and encourage positive changes in business and community behaviour."
Advised by the city's Commissioner for Resilience, the task force will have an important working relationship with external stakeholders and partners including the recently established Belfast Climate Commission, in partnership with Queen's University.
(JG/CM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
