Wicklow has become the first county in Ireland to declare a climate emergency

Wicklow has become the first county in Ireland to declare a climate emergency.

The motion to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency was passed unanimously on Monday by Wicklow County Council. Green News reports that the vote also called for the council to publish an updated climate action plan, as well as a biodiversity action plan. This comes after the UK officially declared their own climate emergency this week following weeks of protests from activists and students. The motion was tabled by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn who called the declaration "a huge step forward." "This can set off a wave of action from parliaments and governments around the globe," he said, addressing protestors at Parliament square yesterday. "We pledge to work as closely as possible with countries that are serious about ending the climate catastrophe and make clear to US President Donald Trump that he cannot ignore international agreements and action on the climate crisis." The motion confirms the will of the Parliament to recognise the climate emergency but does not force them to act on it. It comes after Scotland declared their own climate emergency over the weekend, with first minister Nicola Sturgeon saying she had met with students on strike to raise awareness for the issue. "A few weeks ago, I met some of the young climate change campaigners who've gone on strike from school to raise awareness of their cause," she said. "They want governments around the world to declare a climate emergency. They say that's what the science tells us. And they are right. "So today, as first minister of Scotland, I am declaring that there is a climate emergency. And Scotland will live up to our responsibility to tackle it." Wicklow County Council are hoping other counties will follow suit and declare an emergency.

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During May, Her will be doing some more #ConsciousBits. Over the month, we'll be learning how to re-use more than we buy, examining the sheer amount of waste the planet produces, and considering the many, many benefits of sustainable fashion choices.  We'll also be chatting to some people who have made sustainability a priority, while setting ourselves a few environmentally conscious challenges along the way.  Change is daunting and we're not perfect, but we can always try to do our bit. Our conscious bit.  You can follow the rest of the #ConsciousBits series here or follow our Instagram account for more related content.  Want to get in touch? Email us at jade@her.ie.