The Northern Ireland Assembly decision to approve legislation to establish a Just Transition Commission has been hailed by Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir as a “significant milestone”.
The role of the new Commission will be to ensure that Northern Ireland has the structures in place to address both the challenges and opportunities connected with climate action.
Just Transition Commissions have been established by the Irish and Scottish governments.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) was required under Section 37 of the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 by regulations, to establish an independent Just Transition Commission as an advisory body.
The primary function of the new body will be to oversee all departments’ implementation of the just transition elements of the act.
It will also provide advice to departments on how emissions reduction policies and proposals comply with the just transition principle and objectives as set out in the act.
Following public consultation, the full membership of the Commission will include representation from 12 sectors: agriculture, environment, fisheries, academia, trade unions, youth groups, civil society, transport, energy, green finance, the built environment, and rural communities.
‘Ensuring fairness’
Welcoming the passage of regulations establishing the new Commission, Minister Muir said the body would have a key role in ensuring greenhouse gas emission reduction is achieved in an inclusive, fair and sustainable way.
He added that the establishment of the new body marks another important step in the implementation of a climate action journey for Northern Ireland.
Minister Muir said: “At the heart of this work is ensuring fairness – addressing climate change through investment in clean energy, warm homes, sustainable public transport, active travel, supporting sustainable agriculture, improving our environment and further developing our circular economy.
“Climate action benefits us all: delivering lasting economic, social and environmental benefits from healthier communities to greater food and energy security.”
This week’s debate at Stormont followed a 10-week consultation, during which DAERA sought views on the structure and make-up of the commission.
This process indicated overwhelmingly strong support for the establishment of a body that will act to support government departments in ensuring that climate change policies work for everyone in Northern Ireland.
Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin has also welcomed the establishment of a Just Transition Commission in Northern Ireland.
The party’s vice chair of the Northern Ireland agriculture committee, Declan McAleer, said the development would help to ensure actions brought forward to tackle climate change are fair and measured while still effective.
McAleer further explained: “Sinn Féin believes our approach to tackling climate change must be based on delivering a just transition.
“This means ensuring those most impacted by climate change are properly engaged with and supported to reduce carbon emissions. It is important that no one is left behind.”
According to McAleer, the Just Transition Commission will give representation to “key industries” such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure.
He said: “This will be crucial as the Executive seeks to decarbonise our economy and bring forward energy support schemes and other initiatives.
“We want the transition towards a cleaner and greener future to create good, secure jobs and revitalise our communities.
“As we continue working to turn the tide of climate change, we will keep speaking up for workers, families, communities and rural areas to ensure they are supported to adapt.”