The report by the International Panel on Climate Change stresses the “overwhelming urgency” for action on tackling the climate crisis, Alliance Party MP Stephen Farry has said.

He added: “The climate crisis is no longer a looming threat – it’s here and it’s happening now – and further delay will be deadly.

“The report’s stark findings are sadly not surprising. But they are a powerful reminder that we need new policy measures as a matter of urgency, to decarbonise the global economy.”

“The UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow must be a turning point in this crisis.

“Government action towards rapid and drastic reductions in greenhouse gases in this decade to prevent further climate breakdown has never been more crucial.

“The Conservative Government are well aware of the findings of the IPCC report. Alarm bells have been ringing for decades, yet they continue to invest in fossil fuels and bury their head in the sand. Failure to take immediate action and lead the way at COP26 is unforgivable.

“Northern Ireland needs to play its part in relation to global challenges and it must act now – not because it’s convenient, but because it’s our only option.”