That this Assembly recognises sustainable development, in general, and climate change, in particular, as central to its considerations in all relevant areas of government, including opportunities to use local economic and technological innovation strategi

 thank the honourable Member for North Down Mr Wilson for proposing the motion. I am sure that Members agree that sustainable development and climate change are two of the biggest challenges facing the Assembly. As we seek to meet the needs of Northern Ireland in 2007, we must, at all times, remember that our actions now determine how sustainable development and climate change will be dealt with in 2070, and beyond. Critical to that is the protection and management of the environment. The environment is a vital resource, and it impacts on all aspects of life. The economy is also vital. For Northern Ireland to prosper, therefore, it is important to formulate a joined-up strategy in which the environment and the economy can be nurtured in a way that protects them to the benefit of everyone.

If I were to quote the mass of available statistics on our negative impact on the environment, I would well exceed the five-minute time limit. The effect of green­house gases, our changing climate and massive levels of waste are a few of the areas that threaten our sustainable development. However, there are many reasons to be encouraged by the progress that has been made in recent years. Businesses in Northern Ireland are increasingly implementing programmes through which they will reduce their impact on the environment and better manage their waste. Those companies find that they do not suffer financially by implementing those programmes.

More can be done, and as demand for energy increases, we must look at how our energy is produced to see whether our indigenous renewable resources are being utilised. It is pleasing that we, as representatives of Northern Ireland, can boast that Northern Ireland is at the cutting edge of developing renewable technology, and examples have been mentioned. Such initiatives as the technical advisory unit, which can assess the energy that is used and waste that is produced by businesses, are welcome, as is the green technology initiative. We must encourage the take-up of such initiatives as they can be of help to the financial well-being of those involved.

As we strive to make the Northern Ireland economy competitive on a global scale, we must ensure that, as its economy grows, it is environmentally sustainable. There will be occasions when there will be direct conflict between the environment and important economic decisions that will be vital to our economic development. Sometimes, there will be tough but necessary decisions to be made that may well put environmental issues secondary to matters relating to the competitiveness of Northern Ireland’s economy. The Assembly must acknowledge that that will be the case, and, in some instances, Members must make hard decisions.

The House should unanimously endorse the motion. The economy and the environment are inextricably linked, and as we move to make our economy prosper, climate change should be in the forefront of Members’ minds to ensure sustainable development for many generations. I support the motion and the amendment.