David Kennedy, Chief Executive of the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) was today joined by Northern Ireland’s new Environment Minister, Edwin Poots at the Northern Ireland launch of the Committee’s first annual report to Parliament.

The Climate Change Act requires the CCC to report to the UK Parliament each year on emissions reductions relative to the UK’s carbon budgets. The CCC’s first report to Parliament concludes that a step change is needed in the pace of UK emissions reduction to meet carbon budgets, and that this will require new policy approaches in key areas.

The CCC’s report found that over the past five years UK emissions have fallen each year by around 0.5%. However, over the same time period, Northern Ireland’s CO2 emissions have been rising by 0.3% per year. Going forward emissions reductions of 2-3% per annum will be required and the UK and Northern Ireland will need to contribute to this reduction.

CCC Chief Executive David Kennedy said:

“It is essential that much more effort is made in reducing emissions. This will require leadership at UK and national levels. The Northern Ireland Executive has an important role to play in unlocking the significant opportunities for emissions reductions in our buildings, on our roads and in the generation of electricity. Progress has been made but further progress is needed if emissions are to be reduced as required.“

Speaking at the event today in Belfast the Minister said:

“The Executive has committed to reducing emissions of all greenhouse gases by 25% in Northern Ireland by 2025, which will contribute towards meeting the UK carbon budgets.”

Carbon budgets can be achieved by;

• Using cleaner forms of generating electricity such as wind generation, nuclear and clean coal (Carbon Capture and Storage).
• Improving energy efficiency in homes and buildings
• Improving fuel-efficiency of new cars and ensuring widespread roll-out of electric cars in the UK by 2020.

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