(via Climate Coalition NI)

The organisers of a climate rally in Belfast this Saturday (9^th December) are hoping for a strong show of support for the call for action to tackle climate change. The rally takes place during COP28 – the global climate conference currently taking place in Dubai, where governments from around the world are discussing how to tackle climate change.

The Belfast rally is organised by Climate Coalition NI and starts at Writer’s Square at 1pm. It is due to finish at Common Market at approximately 2pm. Speakers at the rally will include environmentalists, activists and Nuala McKeever. Simultaneous events are taking place across the UK.

Chloe Ferguson, Chair of Climate Coalition NI, said: “While Northern Ireland now has a Climate Act, there is still much to do to in order to get greenhouse gas emissions down to net zero by 2050. There is ever increasing support from the public to decarbonise our economy, which is not only good for the planet but is good for our pocket. Electricity produced by renewables like onshore wind and solar power is much cheaper than electricity produced from gas.”

Rebekah Corbett from Unison, said: “There are no jobs on a dead planet; neither is there a functional health and social care system, a welfare state or a habitable environment. The climate crisis is a public health crisis. It is fuelling the cost-of-living crisis. How many more crises can our society withstand?  While global leaders and corporations pontificate at COP28, the rest of the world demands a just transition to net zero and climate justice for all.”

Rosamond Bennett, Christian Aid Ireland’s Chief Executive, said: “Every single country Christian Aid works in is affected by climate change and the impact is getting worse year in, year out. We support some of the most vulnerable and marginalised people in the world who have done the least to contribute to the climate crisis but are suffering the most. Our politicians need to step up to their responsibilities to take action. Wealthy countries like the UK and Ireland cannot ignore the fact that we have contributed to this crisis and so need to support those countries suffering as a result.”

Professor John Barry from Queen’s University Belfast, said: “When we see so little climate action from COP28 in Dubai, it is more important than ever that we as citizens gather to demand better of our so-called leaders. We gather in Belfast and in other cities around the world this Saturday to protest both against the climate and ecological crisis and the current pathetic action being taken by our governments. That is why we need to march, protest and demand better from our political leaders, and look to strengthen our bonds of solidarity for the struggle ahead against those in positions of power who either do nothing, or are actively blocking climate action and climate justice.”

For more information contact: CCNISecretariat@nienvironmentlink.org