A law to reduce emissions has been approved by the Northern Ireland Assembly, as required by the 2022 Climate Change Act.

 

It sets a target of a 77% cut by 2040, in accordance with recommendations from the government’s Climate Change Committee. The first three carbon budgets – how much carbon can be emitted over a period of time – have also been set.

 

A statutory target of 48% is already in place for 2030, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said setting one for 2040 along with the first three carbon budgets put Northern Ireland “on a clear trajectory” to net zero. “It will open up opportunities for investment as we transition towards a more sustainable economy,” he said.

 

A Climate Action Plan (CAP) will set out the policies to meet the first carbon budget which covers 2023-2027. It sets an average annual reduction of 33%. The second budget (2028-2032) requires a 48% reduction and the third (2033-2037) requires 62%, against 1990 greenhouse gas levels. The challenge has previously been described as “significant”. The CAP must be approved by the Stormont Executive.

 

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