Climate change was in the spotlight recently as renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough said it was the greatest threat to humanity in thousands of years.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of United Nations sponsored climate talks in Poland he said it could lead to the collapse of civilisations and extinction of “much of the natural world”.

“If we don’t take action, the collapse of our civilisations and the extinction of much of the natural world is on the horizon.”

“The world’s people have spoken, their message is clear, time is running out, they want you, the decision-makers, to act now.

At this month’s sitting of Fermanagh Omagh District Council, Councillor Josephine Deehan addressed the Council on Attenborough’s speech.

“I am sure the members will have had the opportunity of listening with great interest and concern regarding the address of Sir David Attenborough to the World Climate Change conference in Poland and his heartfelt appeal for action, urgent action to be taken in respect of climate change. I think it’s timely. We have had the opportunity of discussing this matter and examining how we as a Council could help to minimise climate change. According to Sir David Attenborough time is really running out for life as we know it on this planet and some of the footage from that conference did show the conflict that there currently exists.

“I think what is clear we need urgent action to address global warming and climate change otherwise we are going to see huge disasters.”

Parishioners at St. Macartin’s Cathedral and St. Michael’s Church were also made aware to the issue of climate change with the Climate Justice Candle on display in both Churches.

Launched in November 2015 by Eco Congregation Ireland’s “Shine a light on Climate Justice” Initiative, the candle has travelled around Ireland visiting different congregations.

From December 2 to 8 it has been in St. Macartin’s Cathedral before moving across the road to St. Michael’s Church where it will stay until December 15.

The parishes are asked to reflect on climate justice especially for the time they host the candle and Churches are encouraged to include prayers for climate justice in every service/mass and to take actions to “green” their churches. Ideas are shared on how to have an eco-friendly approach to church life-practically, spiritually and connecting with the local community and people in countries already severely impacted by climate change.

Ann Marie McConnell from the Clogher Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Group, who helped to bring the candle to the Diocese, said: “It has been very positive. There has been a great take up by parishioners and people did take note of it.

“It has just been in St. Macartin’s and it has been great there and people have honed in on it and felt benefit from it.”

On Saturday it moved to St. Michael’s where a welcoming ceremony was held.

“We had a welcoming ceremony and said prayers for the earth and whole of creation.

“Father Joe McVeigh had a big part to play in it too and he did the ceremony and he gave a very powerful moving homily on Saturday on different things that affect us all,” she told The Impartial Reporter.