SDLP Foyleside Councillor Mary Durkan
Miss Durkan said: “The allocation in the government’s budget for continued overseas aid is an important sign of global solidarity during these difficult times.
“The fact that funding will help establish a dedicated Irish Aid climate unit is particularly encouraging.
“It is so important that our climate action at home is built upon and matched by climate action around the world.”
Miss Durkan continued: “The covid-19 pandemic coupled with climate emergency means that the poorest countries are being pushed into deeper poverty.
“There is a responsibility on governments to act now.
“This pandemic has shone a light on our inter-connectedness of populations across our shared planet.
“The most vulnerable have been disproportionately impacted, and the furthest behind need to be put first if the poorest countries are to have any hope.”
Later this month Miss Durkan will move a motion calling on governments, international financial institutions and lending bodies to cancel debt for the poorest countries.
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