Menu
18/09/2024
Addressing 'Segregation Handicap' Could Boost NI's Climate Ambitions
New research has highlighted how addressing the "segregation handicap" could play a key role in helping Belfast meet its ambitious climate change and net zero emissions targets by 2050.
Commissioned by Belfast City Council and due to be launched today (Wednesday 18 September) at an event in 2 Royal Avenue, as part of Good Relations Week, the Segregation and the Environment: Breaking Down Barriers report identifies strong links between a legacy of segregation and division in some parts of Belfast and the city's future ability to respond to the challenges posed by climate change.
It emphasises that, if more is done to reduce the "segregation handicap", it will have the added benefit of helping Belfast achieve its vision of creating a more sustainable and resilient city for everyone by 2050.
The report outlines the environmental impact caused by duplication of services and reduced access to environmental projects as key factors.
By boosting access to, and participation in, green initiatives and improving the physical appearance of areas in and around peace walls, Belfast will be better placed to look at "environmental justice remedies" for the most disadvantaged communities, including more trees, less reliance on car use and better access to green spaces.
"This research was commissioned as part of Belfast's membership of the Resilient Cities Network, where we work with other cities worldwide to identify threats and look at potential solutions," explains Councillor Joe Duffy, Chair of the council's Shared City Partnership.
"In a city that is still segregated and divided in large parts, our ability to deal with the unexpected is hampered – not just physically, but also psychologically – but good relations projects can play a vital role in breaking down physical barriers and addressing challenges we may not always think are connected.
"There is so much good work already being done, with plenty more to come, through our own Good Relations programmes, new venues like the Black Mountain Shared Space Project which opens today, and additional funding coming into the city through the PEACEPLUS programme, administered by the Special EU Programmes Body.
"Today's report launch is an opportunity to take stock of where we are at as a city and to remind ourselves of why work to improve community relations is still as important as ever, in helping us build a city that is capable of supporting our residents and addressing the threats posed by the climate crisis."
Report author Peter Osborne described the new research as a "valuable tool" in focusing attention on the continued issue of segregation, as well as outlining practical ways it can be reduced to benefit the environment.
"This report shines a light on the simple reality that, if we continue to service a segregated and divided society, our city will not be able to meet our net zero climate targets," he said.
"As such, it is imperative that we start to find ways to dismantle segregation, build community confidence and deliver public services in a way that reduces the duplication that has put us on the back foot when it comes to our efforts to achieve net zero."
Dr Amanda Slevin, Lecturer in Climate Policy, Politics and Sustainability and Co-Director of the Centre for Sustainability, Equality and Climate Action at Queen's University, said she was pleased to see a number of recommendations in the report.
In total, the research identifies 19 actions for the council to lead on, working with partners across the statutory, community and voluntary sectors. They include an eco-schools project, planting or re-wilding at an interface barrier, a youth carbon initiative and improved participation by ethnic minority groups in environmental projects and initiatives.
Dr Slevin said: "The triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution require all of us to take action.
"In articulating key issues relating to our shared environment and segregation, this important report by Belfast City Council outlines challenges we face, like the segregation handicap and security infrastructure, that hamper efforts for sustainability.
"It also offers hope and ideas for how we can enhance socio-economic and environmental justice and collectively move towards a genuinely sustainable, peaceful, fair and healthy future for everyone."
Commissioned by Belfast City Council and due to be launched today (Wednesday 18 September) at an event in 2 Royal Avenue, as part of Good Relations Week, the Segregation and the Environment: Breaking Down Barriers report identifies strong links between a legacy of segregation and division in some parts of Belfast and the city's future ability to respond to the challenges posed by climate change.
It emphasises that, if more is done to reduce the "segregation handicap", it will have the added benefit of helping Belfast achieve its vision of creating a more sustainable and resilient city for everyone by 2050.
The report outlines the environmental impact caused by duplication of services and reduced access to environmental projects as key factors.
By boosting access to, and participation in, green initiatives and improving the physical appearance of areas in and around peace walls, Belfast will be better placed to look at "environmental justice remedies" for the most disadvantaged communities, including more trees, less reliance on car use and better access to green spaces.
"This research was commissioned as part of Belfast's membership of the Resilient Cities Network, where we work with other cities worldwide to identify threats and look at potential solutions," explains Councillor Joe Duffy, Chair of the council's Shared City Partnership.
"In a city that is still segregated and divided in large parts, our ability to deal with the unexpected is hampered – not just physically, but also psychologically – but good relations projects can play a vital role in breaking down physical barriers and addressing challenges we may not always think are connected.
"Today's report launch is an opportunity to take stock of where we are at as a city and to remind ourselves of why work to improve community relations is still as important as ever, in helping us build a city that is capable of supporting our residents and addressing the threats posed by the climate crisis."
Report author Peter Osborne described the new research as a "valuable tool" in focusing attention on the continued issue of segregation, as well as outlining practical ways it can be reduced to benefit the environment.
"This report shines a light on the simple reality that, if we continue to service a segregated and divided society, our city will not be able to meet our net zero climate targets," he said.
"As such, it is imperative that we start to find ways to dismantle segregation, build community confidence and deliver public services in a way that reduces the duplication that has put us on the back foot when it comes to our efforts to achieve net zero."
Dr Amanda Slevin, Lecturer in Climate Policy, Politics and Sustainability and Co-Director of the Centre for Sustainability, Equality and Climate Action at Queen's University, said she was pleased to see a number of recommendations in the report.
In total, the research identifies 19 actions for the council to lead on, working with partners across the statutory, community and voluntary sectors. They include an eco-schools project, planting or re-wilding at an interface barrier, a youth carbon initiative and improved participation by ethnic minority groups in environmental projects and initiatives.
Dr Slevin said: "The triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution require all of us to take action.
"In articulating key issues relating to our shared environment and segregation, this important report by Belfast City Council outlines challenges we face, like the segregation handicap and security infrastructure, that hamper efforts for sustainability.
"It also offers hope and ideas for how we can enhance socio-economic and environmental justice and collectively move towards a genuinely sustainable, peaceful, fair and healthy future for everyone."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 September 2018
Primark Donates £500,000 To Support Businesses Affected By Fire
Retailer Primark is donating £500,000 to Belfast City Council's City Recovery Investment Fund. The fund is being set up after a number of businesses have been severely affected by the fire at the Bank Buildings which happened over three weeks ago. A cordon remains in place and 14 firms have been closed for up to four months.
Primark Donates £500,000 To Support Businesses Affected By Fire
Retailer Primark is donating £500,000 to Belfast City Council's City Recovery Investment Fund. The fund is being set up after a number of businesses have been severely affected by the fire at the Bank Buildings which happened over three weeks ago. A cordon remains in place and 14 firms have been closed for up to four months.
15 March 2004
St Patrick's Day event has support of BCC says councillor
The Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Steering Panel has challenged claims that the Council is not supporting St Patrick’s Day in Belfast. It follows a protest outside Belfast City Hall last week by the St Patrick's Carnival Committee who claim the Council isn't funding this year's event at the City Hall.
St Patrick's Day event has support of BCC says councillor
The Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Steering Panel has challenged claims that the Council is not supporting St Patrick’s Day in Belfast. It follows a protest outside Belfast City Hall last week by the St Patrick's Carnival Committee who claim the Council isn't funding this year's event at the City Hall.
16 November 2023
New Spaces And Places To Redefine Belfast City Region
A new initiative to drive the development of new spaces and places that sustainably boost employment, improve tourism and cultural infrastructure, deliver homes and support community and neighbourhood regeneration has been announced, with the redefinition of the Belfast City Region.
New Spaces And Places To Redefine Belfast City Region
A new initiative to drive the development of new spaces and places that sustainably boost employment, improve tourism and cultural infrastructure, deliver homes and support community and neighbourhood regeneration has been announced, with the redefinition of the Belfast City Region.
02 March 2022
Design Ideas Sought For New Belfast Stories Site
Early career architects are being invited to pitch their creative concepts for the temporary use of a vacant site on the corner of Royal Avenue and North Street, the location for the £100m Belfast Stories tourism destination.
Design Ideas Sought For New Belfast Stories Site
Early career architects are being invited to pitch their creative concepts for the temporary use of a vacant site on the corner of Royal Avenue and North Street, the location for the £100m Belfast Stories tourism destination.
23 July 2009
Belfast 'Twelfth' Was Shopping Hit
Initial feedback on the commercial impact of Belfast shops being open over the traditional 'Twelfth' celebration has been excellent. This year's event, titled 'Orangefest' on 13 July witnessed Belfast city centre shops opening on the day of the parades for the first time.
Belfast 'Twelfth' Was Shopping Hit
Initial feedback on the commercial impact of Belfast shops being open over the traditional 'Twelfth' celebration has been excellent. This year's event, titled 'Orangefest' on 13 July witnessed Belfast city centre shops opening on the day of the parades for the first time.
-
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.
