Committee on Climate Change

The CCC was asked by Northern Ireland’s Environment Minister to provide advice on whether it is appropriate for Northern Ireland to enact its own climate change legislation, including the introduction of legally binding emissions targets. The 2008 UK Climate Change Act extends to Northern Ireland but does not specify particular targets or budgets for Northern Ireland. The Committee published its advice on 2nd November 2011.

The analysis in the report shows that there is scope to reduce emissions across sectors by up to 25% from today’s levels in 2020 (i.e. a level consistent with the path to longer term required reductions). Whether or not legislation is passed, it is crucial that the Northern Ireland Executive now puts in place a set of policies and incentives to unlock potential from: agriculture, road transport, homes, public sector and power.

David Kennedy, Chief Executive of the Committee said:
“There are significant opportunities to reduce emissions in Northern Ireland. Legislating carbon targets could help efforts to reduce emissions, if supported by appropriate policies. Moving now to a low carbon path will be of economic benefit to the people of Northern Ireland in an increasingly carbon and resource constrained world”.

Read the report in full here and press release here.