President Michael D Higgins has used his 2019 Christmas message to urge action on climate change.

He describes it as an "issue of justice" for future generations on Earth.

In his annual message, he says it was "uplifting" this year to see a younger generation express their willingness to play a part in combating climate change.

President Higgins says: "Governments have a key role in leading the necessary change.  However, if we are to succeed in meeting this greatest challenge we must all act as a global community.

"What may seem small individual actions can make a big impact cumulatively on our carbon emissions.

"Therefore, as we begin a new year, let us determine to reduce our carbon footprint and become more aware of how our actions can damage our planet’s fragile biodiversity."

He adds: "Fostering a sense of justice, developing a consciousness of a shared humanity, one that will compel us to reconnect our lives through a balanced relationship between ecology, ethics, economics, culture and a lived experience of fulfilment is surely a commitment worthy of making this Christmas, which ends a year during which we have been asked to face so many challenges."

His message also addresses the issues of immigration and emigration.

He observes: "The generous contributions received from our emigrants during times of great poverty and hardship for our people were key to the constructing of an Ireland that might become one of hope and opportunity, one in which a younger generation could hope to flourish and realise new possibilities.

"That is a very important chapter of our history and one we must never forget.

"Today many people turn to us, their fellow global citizens, for protection and shelter for themselves and their families, and for the provision of hope for a better future.

"Do we dismiss them from our door, telling them there is no room at our inn, or do we greet them in a spirit of hospitality bearing in mind the history of emigration that is such a defining characteristic of the Irish people?"

President Higgins concludes his message by urging people to "walk in solidarity" with vulnerable people at home and around the world.

He says: "It is that solidarity has always given strength to the beating heart of our society, seeking to draw from all that is best about our Irishness and thus helping us to meet the challenges of the complex world in which we live."

You can watch the full Christmas message above, with an Irish language version available below: