The latest UN assessment of global warming is a damning indictment of political failure, Alliance MP Stephen Farry has said.

Dr Farry was speaking after the release of the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, which stated many of the impacts of the climate crisis are now irreversible, although a brief window of time is available to avoid the worse.

“Alarm bells have been ringing for decades and today’s report yet again underlines the need for radical, urgent action to create a safe and equitable future,” he said.

“This report confirms what we already knew – wealthy nations disproportionately bear responsibility for climate change yet are least exposed to its disastrous effects.

“With the UK Government’s ongoing support of fossil fuel extraction, the UK cannot ignore its responsibilities to the most vulnerable at the frontline of the climate crisis. The Government isn’t just turning its back on these countries by failing to provide adequate financial support, it’s also legislating to criminalise refugees forced to flee their homes due to that same crisis.

“The IPCC report comes on the same day as the Climate Change Bill’s Further Consideration Stage in the Assembly. In the absence of our own legislation, Northern Ireland is lagging way behind in tackling the climate crisis and must additionally make up for the UK Government dragging its feet. Today’s findings are a powerful and timely reminder why an ambitious climate change Bill isn’t just critical, it’s urgent.

“This report makes clear tackling poverty and creating an equitable economy are fundamental to solving the climate crisis. This is why Alliance will continue to demand a Green New Deal and robust climate legislation for Northern Ireland.”