Committee on Climate Change
Independent advisors to the UK Government on tackling and preparing for climate change
Profile of Edwin Poots - N. Ireland Environment Minister |
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We in Northern Ireland have a responsibility with the rest of the planet to protect natural resources and to safeguard our environment for future generations. On the climate change front, I fully support efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions because I believe, whilst climate change occurs naturally, it is also being influenced by man through the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. In particular I would support the development of renewables which should not only assist with the climate change agenda but provide alternative energy supplies which is important to the energy security of a small region like Northern Ireland. Q2 Your Executive has committed to reducing GHG emissions by a quarter by 2025. How will this be achieved? The latest figures (2007), published just last month, show that greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland have reduced by 13% on 1990 levels. Based on this latest data it is projected that if this progress continues, a reduction of 22% will be achieved by 2025 against the 25% target. If anything, the figures are likely to improve further as existing policies take effect and as new policies are developed. A good example of forthcoming policy development is the Carbon Reduction Commitment, a new carbon cap and trade scheme promoting energy efficiency that is to be implemented across the UK in April 2010. Q3 Do you think there is still a lot of scepticism in Northern Ireland towards climate change, and how will you work to raise awareness of the issue in Northern Ireland? The vast majority of people in Northern Ireland recognise climate change is taking place however views do vary as to the causes of this change. In terms of the awareness of the issue I take great heart from the findings of “The Public Perceptions on Climate Change” survey initiated by my Department and published in September. This shows that over three-quarters of respondents here in Northern Ireland would be prepared to make lifestyle changes to reduce climate change. I think we need to build on this and assist the public in making the decisions that will reduce emissions. Q4 What are you doing to ensure that NI Government Departments lead the way by taking steps to reduce their emissions? Achievement of the Northern Ireland Programme for Government target on greenhouse gas emissions is the collective responsibility of all Northern Ireland Executive Ministers. My Department tracks progress through Public Service Agreement arrangements in which a number of key departments provide input. I am keen to support my Ministerial colleagues who bring forward policy initiatives pertinent to the climate change agenda. Q5 How is your Executive planning to work with the CCC in future? The formal process for engagement with devolved administration Ministers is through the processes set out in the Climate Change Act 2008. This requires the Committee to take stock of the different circumstances of the devolved administrations in making its advice and for the devolved administrations to contribute to the UK government response. The process seems to work well, but I am very willing to explore avenues for closer dialogue with the Committee. |
Edwin Poots is Environment Minister at the Northern Ireland Assembly. He is member of the Democratic Unionist Party and was previously Minister for Culture, Arts & Leisure.- Text: Smaller | Larger
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