COP26 fuels established climate change momentum in south Tyrone

COP26 has added to an already growing momentum in Dungannon and south Tyrone to make major changes in reducing carbon emissions, it has been claimed.

As world leaders gathered in Glasgow on Monday and Tuesday for the crucial climate change conference – which is due to last two weeks – a leading local business figure said the majority of local firms – both large and small – wanted to play their part despite the fact Northern Ireland still does not have Climate Change legislation.

Brian MacAuley who is the chief executive of the Dungannon Enterprise Centre said he was greatly encouraged that climate change was top of the agenda for many local firms.

However, he said a major stumbling block was the inability of companies to work out their own carbon footprint.

“On the radio, the Federation of Small Business made a hugely important point that nearly three quarters of small businesses in NI say they do not know how to measure carbon emissions,” said Mr MacAuley.

“That is a major block that needs to be addressed. All the big engineering firms here in south Tyrone and also the small micro businesses know that waste means more money.

“They all want to make a change that will benefit the climate, but we need to be provided with the training and know-how to work out what our carbon emissions are.

“Once that is done, then we will know what needs to be done and where we can make changes.”

Like many of the companies which he provides premises for, Mr MacAuley said there were a number of changes which he was considering at the Enterprise Centre, but that more clarity was still needed.

Guidance

“The source of energy we use is crucial, and here at the Enterprise Centre one of things we are looking at is installing solar panels all over the premises, which would provide much of the energy needed.

“But we are still waiting for Government guidance on this, so we can be sure we are making the right choice.

“And like other firms, we are looking closely at electric vehicles. At the minute, we can buy a van at around £12,000, but the electric alternative is much closer to £30,000, so the difference is massive. And then you have to look at charging points, cost of maintenance, so there is still a way to go.”

Meanwhile, Mid Ulster MLA Michelle O’Neill has said communities must be supported to tackle the climate emergency. “The COP26 summit is an important opportunity to send a clear message on the actions that will need to be taken by governments to tackle the climate emergency,” said the Deputy Leader of Sinn Féin

“Just like the Covid19 pandemic, climate change doesn’t recognise borders and we need an all-Ireland approach.”

The Deputy First Minister added, “We must secure a fair transition to a low carbon economy and increase support for rural communities and family farms.

“There’s an onus on big corporations to decarbonise and work to deliver green jobs and healthier, first-class public transport for all.”

This week, the Ulster Unionist Party Leader Doug Beattie MC MLA said he has written to Claire Bailey MLA and DAERA Minister Edwin Poots to suggest that they merge their Climate Change Bill.

“We currently have two Bills passing through the Assembly and, mindful of the Speaker’s recent warning of a logjam of legislation needing passed before the end of the current Assembly’s mandate, I have written to Claire Bailey MLA and DAERA Minister Edwin Poots to suggest a merger of both Bills to create a ‘best of both worlds’ Bill,” said Mr Beattie.