Members of a Derry environment group are encouraging people to come out this weekend to put pressure on political representatives at the COP26 events in Glasgow.
Conall Morrison, from Zero Waste North West, spoke to MyDerry about the individual impact that people can have on being more eco-friendly, while also putting pressure on political representatives to change policy.
He said: “At Zero Waste North West, we encourage zero waste as an end-goal. That includes refusing single use plastics, reusing items or repurposing them, recycling and reducing our waste.
“The onus is often on individuals rather than companies. I think there is a lot that companies could do to make themselves more eco-friendly. There is something we can all do."
There has been some welcome news recently, with Infrastructure Minister Nicola Mallon's announcement of a £30 million investment into 38 zero-emission electric buses, making Derry one of the first cities in the UK and Ireland to have a fully zero-emission fleet by 2023.
Conall said: “I thought the announcement by Infrastructure Minister Nicola Mallon was fantastic, to make Derry’s Foyle Metro System completely green. It is a big step forward and proves that efforts are being made."
Efforts are being made locally too. There are some great groups in Derry and abroad which strive to make a difference.
"We put together a day of education with some students in Thornhill College," said Conall.
"We got someone from the Loughs Agency to discuss water quality, some councillors were there and Friends of the Earth provided a great workshop and discussion."
Conall is encouraging people to come out this weekend as a show of strength and to put pressure on political representatives.
“We can demand better from politicians and companies. I would encourage people to come out this Saturday at 2pm in Waterloo Place and make their voices heard. We deserve better!”
“People can be worried about climate change and the impact of individual efforts. I would tell them to talk to people about it, about what we can all do together and on our own.
“It is a global issue but there are local issues that people can help out with. Whether it be environmentally friendly at home, in shopping or looking further into environmental problems here.
“The climate crisis is not going to go away. We need your voice to be heard. It is all too easy for people in power to ignore it. But if there is enough of us they cannot ignore us."
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