Public transport will be vital for the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of our society, helping Northern Ireland reach a low carbon economy. Transport accounts for 35% of all consumed energy in Northern Ireland and 23% of all greenhouse gas emissions, mostly from private car use.
Translink’s new climate campaign includes a range of novel ways for both individuals and businesses to get involved. These include a call for public Climate Pledges illustrating climate actions which will be showcased to inspire others, the launch of a new Sustainable Travel Charter, encouraging businesses to enthuse employees to adopt more active travel modes as part of their green recovery plans and an innovative Youth Ambassador programme – The Changemakers – giving young people a platform to promote their views on the climate crises.
Welcoming the Let’s Change Together Campaign, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said:
“We are in the grip of a climate crisis and time is running out to act. I urge everyone to back Translink’s ‘Let’s change together’ Campaign. By working together to change the way we travel, we can reduce emissions and help protect our planet. If we each change our behaviour, we can limit the impact of climate change and rise to the biggest global challenge of our time.”
Speaking about the programme of activity, Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive said:
“The climate emergency is the most pressing environmental challenge of our time, and the recent IPCC report underscores the need for urgent action now. We are leading the transformation of public transport, accelerating towards net zero emissions and creating a path to a healthier, greener and more sustainable future for generations to come. We want to be a catalyst for positive change and our Climate Positive Strategy recognises the need for collective action to change behaviours to protect our environment.
“COP26 presents a unique opportunity to place the spotlight on sustainable, active travel as an easy way to take climate action. We know that travelling by public transport today in NI reduces our carbon footprint by more than 50% (on a per passenger km). This will be even greater as we transform to zero-emissions fleet in the years ahead.
“Doing more of the same is no longer an option, air pollution is a serious health risk, the covid lockdowns gave us a glimpse of a less congested and cleaner Northern Ireland.
“We hope this new campaign will encourage others to join with us to make the important changes to transform our future for the better, be that in their travel choices or in other environmentally friendly ways. We would ask everyone, whether they’re individuals, community groups or employers, to consider what positive changes they can make in the weeks and months ahead and #LetsChangeTogether.”
Pictured at the launch of the new initiative are Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive and Emer Rafferty, the first ambassador of Translink’s new ‘Changemakers’ youth programme.
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