It sets out the long-term vision for tackling the climate crisis in the right way.
You can view the draft Green Growth Strategy here.
One of the key commitments of the Green Growth Strategy is to develop Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan. The Climate Action Plan will set out how we intend to achieve the carbon budget for the Climate Action Plan period and the overall emissions reduction targets as stated in the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.
DAERA is leading on the development of Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan which will cover the period 2023 to 2027. The main function of the Climate Action Plan is to deliver upon the relevant ‘carbon budget’ which is the maximum amount of permitted emissions in a 5 year period as well as outline how the longer term emission reduction targets will be achieved. The Act requires this first Climate Action Plan to be published before the end of 2023.
What is Green Growth?
Green Growth means using the move from a high to a low greenhouse gas emissions economy to improve people’s quality of life through green jobs and a clean environment. Green Growth means recognising and accepting the impact we have on our planet and doing something about it.
Green Growth is an opportunity to kick-start Northern Ireland’s recovery following the Covid-19 crisis while ensuring that the environment around us continues to provide the resources on which we all rely.
The focus of Green Growth is ensuring that our natural assets can deliver their full economic potential on a sustainable basis. Our climate and environment affect all of us and we all need to take individual responsibility and consider how our own actions impact the environment.
Balancing climate, environment and green jobs
Green Growth is about more than just climate targets. It also considers the wider environment as well as green jobs. By taking this approach and tackling these issues collectively, it presents us with an opportunity to reassess our impact on the planet by doing things differently and in a less harmful way.
Climate Action
Climate action is central to Green Growth. The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 sets a Net Zero target by 2050 for Northern Ireland and this strategy recognises the need for adaptation and mitigation measures to work together to address both the causes and potential impacts of climate change.
In line with the requirements of the Act and the Executive’s commitment in the draft Green Growth Strategy, the target date for publishing NI’s first Climate Action Plan is the end of December 2023.
Green Jobs
Green jobs means developing a low carbon, skilled workforce with more people working in jobs that contribute to climate action and a clean environment. We should support those with barriers to work to upskill and move towards the green economy through an inclusive skills strategy.
Clean Environment
Our natural environment is one of our most important assets. This contributes to our prosperity and well-being in numerous ways. It provides the essential services for our life and work, from the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink, to the resources for our infrastructure and built environment. Clean environment means clear air and water, more sustainable land use; improved habitats and greater biodiversity.