Cllr Fitzpatrick said: “The greatest challenge facing the world today is how to prevent the destruction of our environment. Unless we urgently face up to this challenge it will be too late.
“More effort needs to be put into research, education and publicity, so that people are made aware of how the environment is being damaged and the ways in which each of us can play our part in reducing that damage.
“We must make significant changes in the areas of waste, transport, energy, water, agriculture and retail. The new Executive needs to take the lead by ensuring that all Departments, whatever their area of responsibility, have environmental protection as a key priority.
“It would be wonderful to see Northern Ireland topping the league table in action to save the environment and setting an example for others to follow. “
Cllr Fitzpatrick concluded: “I hope that the newly elected MLAs will respond positively to the huge responsibility being placed upon them and not betray future generations.”
ENDS