Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural
Affairs (DAERA) Minister has welcomed the Assembly's
approval of legislation setting Northern Ireland's first three
carbon budgets and a new 2040 target to reduce emissions.
The approval by MLAs delivers further on key statutory
requirements of the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
Carbon budgets set out a managed pathway to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions and will help put Northern Ireland on track towards
meeting the 2030, 2040 and 2050 statutory emissions reduction
targets in a planned and gradual way.
The United Kingdom, Wales and Republic of Ireland have already
set carbon budgets outlining how their respective governments
will meet their targets, with Scotland to follow.
Welcoming the passage of the legislation, Minister Muir
said: “As well as it being the right thing to do,
setting a clear target for 2040 and the first three carbon
budgets puts Northern Ireland on a clear trajectory to Net Zero
while also reaffirming the Executive and Assembly's commitment to
addressing climate change.
“There is already a statutory target for 2030. However,
setting the carbon budgets and the 2040 target will provide all
sectors with a clear focus and driver to step up action to
address climate change.
“It will open up opportunities for investment as we
transition towards a more sustainable economy. There are
significant benefits for all if we fully embrace the
opportunities provided by green growth - not only through welcome
investment in green energy, employment opportunities and the
benefits of decarbonisation but through increased energy
security. Strong climate and environmental credentials will be
critical if we are to attract inward investment, maximise
economic opportunities, develop skills and compete on an
international scale while showcasing the best of Northern
Ireland.”
Speaking of the Climate Action Plan, the Minister
said: “The next stage in this important process is
to bring forward to the Executive a Climate Action Plan setting
out the emissions reduction policies and proposals across all
Northern Ireland departments to meet the first carbon budget and
putting us on the pathway to achieving the targets set out in the
Act.
“There will be a range of benefits from the policies
implemented to deliver on these carbon budgets and
targets.
“Reducing emissions will improve the health and wellbeing
of our citizens, especially the most vulnerable in society as we
focus on a fair and just transition where everyone
benefits.
“This is particularly important for our young people who
want us to leave our planet in a better state by reducing
emissions and delivering positive outcomes for our environment,
nature, and biodiversity.
“Achieving these targets will require collective
leadership. There is a role for each and every one of us. We need
to step up to the plate and I will continue to collaborate and
work hard with my Executive colleagues and others to do the right
thing for Northern Ireland and beyond.”
Notes to editors:
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours
service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and
0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The
duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
- The Climate Change (Carbon Budgets 2023-2037) Regulations
(Northern Ireland) 2024:
- set the first carbon budget at an average annual reduction of
33%;
- set the second carbon budget at an average annual reduction
of 48%; and
- set the third carbon budget at an average annual reduction of
62%.
4. The Climate Change (2040 Emissions Target)
Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2040 sets an emissions reduction
target of 77% against 1990 greenhouse gas levels.
