She was speaking following the publication of the Northern Ireland Environmental Statistics Report which revealed that NI is falling behind on a raft of indicators, including crucially an abject failure to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG).
She said: "Greenhouse gases trap heat in our atmosphere, turning up the dial on global temperatures and altering our climate systems in unimaginable ways.
"Reaching net zero is recognised as a critical response to climate breakdown yet this report shows that our Executive and in particular, our Environment Department appear devoid of ideas and commitment around driving down rates of GHG emissions.
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"Scotland, Wales and England are all managing to reduce emissions, yet Northern Ireland remains a place apart, once again, with an abject failure to play our part and make a just transition to low a carbon economy and society.
"The Climate Bill for Northern Ireland proposes sets a target for net zero by 2045. The Bill recently received cross party support during its second stage reading but was opposed by the Environment Minister and DUP colleagues.
"Addressing climate change can't be put on the long finger. We shouldn't expect other UK regions to pick up the slack for Northern Ireland as we fail to reduce emissions. It's time we played our part and that's why I'm working hard as lead sponsor of the Climate Change Bill to get this much needed legislation through before the end of this Assembly mandate."
