Consultation on Northern Ireland’s draft Climate Action Plan 2023- 2027

The Centre’s response to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Climate Action Plan is authored by Aidan Campbell (Research Programme Development Manager) and Dr Anthony Soares (Director).

The response is closely informed by the CCBC’s particular knowledge of and experience in cross-border socio-economic development involving a range of sectors from both Northern Ireland and Ireland, including public bodies, business and civil society, and focuses on the core issues with relevance to the Centre’s mission.

The response indicates the points we wish to make in the relevant chapters of the Climate Action Plan (CAP) we are commenting on: Developing the Climate Action Plan; Carbon Emissions; Sector Policies and Proposals; Governance for Delivery; and Investing in Climate Action.

In respect of Carbon Emissions, there does not appear to be any reference to transboundary elements of carbon and nitrogen flows from the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England which could have a negative impact on Northern Ireland’s environment, including its waters and atmosphere and which would require mitigation.

The Centre recognises the challenges presented by measuring and apportioning the Northern Ireland element of carbon and nitrogen flows and potential savings but would suggest that transboundary elements be considered as the CAP is implemented.

The North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and British Irish Council (BIC) provide frameworks to discuss these issues. BIC represents an ideal forum for assessing negative effects of climate change and agreeing high level frameworks to address transboundary issues in the post-Brexit context.

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