The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has today (June 19) launched a 16-week public consultation on Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan.
The draft plan is a legal requirement of the Climate Change Act, which was passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2022.
It sets out the path that Northern Ireland will take to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero by 2050, and demonstrates how it will achieve its first carbon budget target of 33% average annual reduction between 2023 and 2027, compared to the baseline.
The draft plan includes policies and proposals identified by government departments to reduce emissions across all sectors of the Northern Ireland economy.
The Minister for Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir said he is fully committed to delivering the plan, and that it is grounded in science and evidence, and shaped by stakeholder voices.
The minister said: “This isn’t just a plan. It’s a roadmap towards a more sustainable future. The publication of the draft Climate Action Plan is a milestone moment that will inform how we reduce our emissions, grow our green economy, protect our environment and improve our health and wellbeing.
“Since taking up office last year, my department has taken significant steps to address climate change in a way that is just and fair and to set a clear pathway to meet our emissions reduction targets.”
“We may have lost pace due the absence of devolved institutions but I am determined to move forward conscious we can ill afford to delay or defer action,” Minister Muir added.
Climate Action Plan
According to DAERA, stakeholders across a range of sectors have been engaged in the development of the draft Climate Action Plan.
The consultation will provide an opportunity to seek views from a wider range of stakeholders, including the public.
A series of consultation events, including sector specific sessions, will be held across Northern Ireland throughout the 16 weeks period.
Minister Muir said: “We have seen the damaging and costly impacts of climate change around the world and closer to home from flash flooding, wildfires and more frequent and severe storms.
“No section of society is immune. It is essential we take action and I would encourage everyone to take part in this 16-week consultation.”
“I will continue to work closely with executive colleagues to deliver our shared commitments on climate change and I look forward to engaging with stakeholders as part of the consultation,” he added.
