16/02/2005
WWF urge NI to keep up with Kyoto strategy
WWF Northern Ireland today urged the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Investment (DETI) to put an effective long-term energy strategy in place to help deal with climate change.
On the day the Kyoto Protocol enters into force, WWF figures released on Wednesday which showed that Northern Ireland is currently the worst climate culprit in the UK with CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions 3.0% and 1.9% higher respectively in 2002, compared to 1990 levels. Over the same period emissions in Scotland, Wales and England all dropped, in some cases by as much as 18%.
"Not only is our emissions record poor but we lack a long-term energy strategy in Northern Ireland,” said Malachy Campbell, policy officer at WWF Northern Ireland.
“The UK has already set aspirational targets for 2050 whereas the DETI has no vision beyond 2012. We are already seeing the affects of climate change across the globe, for instance more frequent extreme weather, seasonal changes and a melting Arctic.
“Short term plans are just not good enough to tackle the long-term problems facing us, our children and our grandchildren."
The Kyoto Treaty implements the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The protocol sets binding targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions for industrialized countries.
The protocol was adopted at a conference of the signatories to the Climate Treaty in December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan.
(MB/SP)
On the day the Kyoto Protocol enters into force, WWF figures released on Wednesday which showed that Northern Ireland is currently the worst climate culprit in the UK with CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions 3.0% and 1.9% higher respectively in 2002, compared to 1990 levels. Over the same period emissions in Scotland, Wales and England all dropped, in some cases by as much as 18%.
"Not only is our emissions record poor but we lack a long-term energy strategy in Northern Ireland,” said Malachy Campbell, policy officer at WWF Northern Ireland.
“The UK has already set aspirational targets for 2050 whereas the DETI has no vision beyond 2012. We are already seeing the affects of climate change across the globe, for instance more frequent extreme weather, seasonal changes and a melting Arctic.
“Short term plans are just not good enough to tackle the long-term problems facing us, our children and our grandchildren."
The Kyoto Treaty implements the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The protocol sets binding targets for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions for industrialized countries.
The protocol was adopted at a conference of the signatories to the Climate Treaty in December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 September 2023
People Urged To Help Develop New Climate Action Plan
People across Northern Ireland are being urged to inform the country's response to the threats presented by climate change.
People Urged To Help Develop New Climate Action Plan
People across Northern Ireland are being urged to inform the country's response to the threats presented by climate change.
01 March 2019
Green Party Secure First Climate Emergency Motion For NI
Ards and North Down Borough Council has became the first district in Northern Ireland to declare a climate emergency, following a motion from Green Party Councillors this week. Councillors Rachel Woods and Barry McKee forwarded the motion on Wednesday 28 February, calling for action from the Northern Ireland Assembly, the UK government and the EU.
Green Party Secure First Climate Emergency Motion For NI
Ards and North Down Borough Council has became the first district in Northern Ireland to declare a climate emergency, following a motion from Green Party Councillors this week. Councillors Rachel Woods and Barry McKee forwarded the motion on Wednesday 28 February, calling for action from the Northern Ireland Assembly, the UK government and the EU.
12 June 2019
Step Change Needed To Tackle Emissions - SDLP
Figures published by The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) reveal the need for a step change in efforts to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, SDLP Environment Spokesperson, John Dallat MLA, has said.
Step Change Needed To Tackle Emissions - SDLP
Figures published by The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) reveal the need for a step change in efforts to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, SDLP Environment Spokesperson, John Dallat MLA, has said.
09 November 2011
Statutory Emission Targets 'Needed For NI'
The Stormont Environment Minister Alex Attwood has argued that Northern Ireland should have statutory emission reduction targets. He said that, at present there are no specific targets for emissions in Northern Ireland under the 2008 UK Climate Change Act.
Statutory Emission Targets 'Needed For NI'
The Stormont Environment Minister Alex Attwood has argued that Northern Ireland should have statutory emission reduction targets. He said that, at present there are no specific targets for emissions in Northern Ireland under the 2008 UK Climate Change Act.
26 June 2014
Funding Announced For Schools Energy Saving Initiative
Education Minister John O'Dowd has announced funding of £10m to improve energy efficiency in Northern Ireland's schools. The Spend to Save initiative aims to help schools cut their energy costs, with a portion of the fudning going to installing solar panels on schools.
Funding Announced For Schools Energy Saving Initiative
Education Minister John O'Dowd has announced funding of £10m to improve energy efficiency in Northern Ireland's schools. The Spend to Save initiative aims to help schools cut their energy costs, with a portion of the fudning going to installing solar panels on schools.
-
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.