Northern Ireland Environmental Statistics Report released

The Northern Ireland Environmental Statistics Report has been published today by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

This statistical report is produced annually and contains information on a range of environmental indicators in Northern Ireland. 

The key points are:

Air & Climate
• In 2020, the mean nitrogen dioxide level for the ten sites used for Programme for Government (PfG) reporting was 24.3μg/m3. This was 11.3μg/m3 less than the level reported in 2014, a positive change from the baseline year.

Water and Marine
• In 2020 Soluble Reactive Phosphorus (SRP) was measured at 93 surveillance rivers across Northern Ireland giving an average concentration of 0.067 mg/l of phosphorus in river water. This was 0.008 mg/l more than the level reported in 2015 and considered to be no change since the baseline year for PfG reporting.
• In 2020, winter Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) was recorded at 26.2 µM. This is considered to be no change since 2015, the baseline year for PfG reporting.

Biodiversity
• In 2020/21, the area of terrestrial protected sites under favourable management in Northern Ireland was recorded as 304.04 km2. This was 301.41 km2 greater than the baseline year for PfG reporting (2015/16), a positive change.

• In 2020/21, the area of marine protected sites under favourable management in Northern Ireland was recorded as 115.00 km2. This was 31.38 km2 greater than the baseline year for PfG reporting (2015/16), a positive change.

Public Attitudes
• The level of public concern about environmental issues was high in 2020/21, with 82% very or fairly concerned about the environment.
 • Illegal dumping of waste and litter was the biggest environmental concern for households in Northern Ireland in 2020/21.

Download the statistical report containing more detail.

Notes to editors: 

1. This is the thirteenth annual Northern Ireland Environmental Statistics Report. Current and previous reports dating back to 2009 can be accessed from the DAERA website.
2. There are seven main sections in the report which cover Public Attitudes; Climate Change; Air; Water and Marine; Biodiversity and Land; Waste and Built Heritage.
3. The findings in this report are based on the most recently available data at the time of publication for each indicator with most providing data on trends over time and where applicable, performance against quantified targets. The indicators that were included were determined in agreement with key data providers, policy colleagues and other interested parties.
4. These statistics are released according to the Statement of Compliance with the Pre-release access to Official Statistics Order (NI) 2009. National Statistics meet the highest standards of trustworthiness, quality and public value. They undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure that they meet customer needs. They are produced free from any political interference.
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6. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office.
7. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 9037 8110 028.

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