COP31 is turning climate commitments into action at home and abroad, says Blair
“These are not distant concerns: here in South Antrim, flooding and the pressures facing Lough Neagh demonstrate why climate action matters”
South Antrim Alliance MLA said that climate change action matters at home and abroad, as the COP31 conference takes place.
He said: “As Chair of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s All-Party Group on Climate Action, I am looking forward to meaningful progress at COP31, taking place in Antalya, Turkey, from 9th to 20th November. This summit must be an opportunity to turn international commitments into practical action that protects our communities, restores our natural environment and creates a cleaner, more sustainable economy.
“Key themes include clean energy and sustainable transport, climate finance, sustainable agriculture, protecting nature and building resilience to extreme weather. There is also an important focus on green skills and ensuring the transition is fair. These are not distant concerns: here in South Antrim, flooding and the pressures facing Lough Neagh demonstrate why climate action matters to our homes, livelihoods and shared environment.
“I welcome the leadership of my Alliance Party colleague and DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, who is taking action closer to home by bringing together business and civil society for a summit on reducing emissions, restoring nature and growing the green economy. This collaborative approach recognises that tackling climate change is also an opportunity to attract investment, develop skills and support green jobs.
“Minister Muir continues to press for agreement on Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan while progressing a second plan with greater ambition and clear delivery. Alongside this, the Climate Change Adaptation Programme is focused on protecting communities, recruitment to the Just Transition Commission is underway, and the Just Transition Fund for Agriculture is providing dedicated support for farmers. His commitment to green energy, sustainable travel, woodland creation and peatland restoration shows how climate action can deliver benefits across our society.
“I am hopeful that COP31 will deliver stronger cooperation and tangible progress, particularly for communities already facing the greatest impacts with the fewest resources. Northern Ireland must play its part too. We cannot allow political division, delay or denial to leave future generations bearing the cost. The challenge now, internationally and within our Assembly, is to match our words with decisive action.”