Homepage for Fermanagh & Omagh District Council: Climate Change
A Climate Emergency
In July 2019, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council recognised the urgent need to address Climate Change by declaring a climate emergency.
Committed to building a sustainable future, the Council introduced its Climate Change and Sustainable Development Strategy in February 2021 and proudly became the first council to launch a Sustainable Development Action Plan in November 2021.
The Action Plan aims to achieve zero emissions by 2042, leading us towards a greener and more sustainable future.. Achieving this goal will help create a resilient environment, enhance biodiversity, and foster a sustainable economy where both residents and businesses embrace environmental responsibility.
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What is Climate Change?
Climate Change is driven by an increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs) in our atmosphere that trap heat from the sun. This warming effect is causing our planet to heat up and the permanent ice to melt. When we burn fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal for energy in our homes, cars, and factories, we release carbon dioxide, a significant greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.
These gases absorb heat from the sun and radiate it back to Earth. The higher the concentration of greenhouse gases, the warmer our planet becomes, altering the Earth’s climate and impacting every part of our world.
Our carbon emissions are trapping more heat and accelerating the warming process beyond natural rates. Climate Change is already damaging natural environments, with many species struggling to adapt. Sixteen of the seventeen warmest years on record have occurred since 2001. Extreme and unpredictable weather is becoming more common, and sea ice is decreasing at a rate of 13% per decade. Scientists estimate that one in six species are at risk of extinction due to Climate Change, and extreme weather and rising sea levels could displace millions of people worldwide.
Climate Change in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
Climate Change is a global phenomenon, but its impacts are felt locally, including in Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Examples of how Climate Change is affecting the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council area are:
- Temperature Rise: Northern Ireland has experienced a warming trend over the past century. From 1881 to 2020, the average temperature in Northern Ireland increased by about 1.2°C.
- Extreme Weather Events: Climate Change is linked to an increase in extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall and storms.
- Agricultural Impacts: Agriculture is a significant sector in Northern Ireland and particularly within the Fermanagh and Omagh Council District, but it’s vulnerable to Climate Change impacts such as changes in precipitation patterns, heat stress on livestock, and altered growing seasons for crops.
- Biodiversity Loss: Climate Change threatens Northern Ireland’s biodiversity, including native species of plants and animals. Rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and habitat loss can all contribute to declines in biodiversity.
Our Vision:
The Fermanagh and Omagh District is inclusive, sustainable, resilient and competitive.
The Council commits to achieving:
- Net zero by 2040 in the Council’s operations
- Net zero by 2042 in the District
- Climate resilience in our buildings, public spaces and infrastructure
Across the District we will:
- Work with all stakeholder groups to accelerate the transition to net zero
- Work with our partners to make the District more resilient to extreme weather and flooding
At the Council we will do this through major investment in:
- Improving energy efficiency in Council buildings
- Encouraging net zero through our supply chain
- Enhancing carbon removal in our open spaces
- Protecting our shared natural resources
- Integrating climate considerations into all our decisions
Net zero is the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere.
Contact Us
As a council we work closely with schools, community groups and businesses to implement environmental and climate education activities, promotional campaigns and environmental improvement initiatives in the community.
If you seek further details regarding climate initiatives within the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council or wish to explore ways to contribute towards addressing Climate Change, please contact the Climate Team at 0300 303 1777 or via email at climate@fermanaghomagh.com.