Northern Ireland launches consultation on first Climate Action Plan

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir has launched a 16-week public consultation on Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan.

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a 16-week public consultation on Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan—an important step towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Speaking at the launch on Thursday, 19 June, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir described the consultation as a “milestone moment” in the region’s fight against climate change.

The plan is a statutory requirement of the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, which legally binds Northern Ireland to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

The draft Climate Action Plan sets out how the region intends to meet its first carbon budget target—an average annual reduction of 33% in greenhouse gas emissions between 2023 and 2027, compared to baseline levels.

“This isn’t just a plan. It’s a roadmap towards a more sustainable future,” said Minister Muir.

“The publication of the draft Climate Action Plan is a milestone moment that will inform how we reduce our emissions, grow our green economy, protect our environment and improve our health and wellbeing.”

The plan outlines key proposals and policies from across all government departments to reduce emissions across sectors including transport, energy, agriculture, business and public services.

Minister Muir acknowledged the impact of the absence of devolved government in recent years but reaffirmed his department’s commitment:

“We may have lost pace due the absence of devolved institutions but I am determined to move forward conscious, we can ill afford to delay or defer action.”

Stakeholder engagement has been central to the plan’s development, and the consultation seeks to widen this input by encouraging responses from the public, civil society organisations, businesses, and academia. DAERA will also host a series of events across Northern Ireland, including sector-specific sessions. Full details are available on the DAERA website.

The consultation received backing from leading climate scientists. Professor Stephen Belcher, Chief Scientist at the Met Office, stated:

“We can see our climate is rapidly changing in our observations… Action plans such as this are a vital step in this journey and the consultation on this plan is a valuable opportunity for the public to engage with this process.”

In addition to the Climate Action Plan, DAERA is progressing several other climate initiatives:

• A consultation on the third Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme (open until 4 August).

• Preparatory work for establishing the Just Transition Commission, following an earlier consultation.

• An upcoming consultation on Northern Ireland’s fourth carbon budget.

These measures follow legislative frameworks including:

• The Climate Change (Carbon Budgets 2023–2037) Regulations (NI) 2024, which sets progressive emissions reduction targets for the next three carbon budget periods:

• 33% average annual reduction (2023–27)

• 48% average annual reduction (2028–32)

• 62% average annual reduction (2033–37)

• The Climate Change (2040 Emissions Target) Regulations (NI) 2040, setting a target of at least 77% reduction in emissions by 2040.

Minister Muir concluded with a clear call to action:

“We have seen the damaging and costly impacts of climate change around the world and closer to home… No section of society is immune. It is essential we take action and I would encourage everyone to take part in this 16-week consultation.”

The draft Climate Action Plan consultation document is available at: