Northern Ireland needs ‘courage and leadership’ to tackle climate change
Nigel Topping, the new chair of the Climate Change Committee, says Northern Ireland needs courage and leadership to catch up on climate action. During a two-day fact-finding visit, he is meeting farmers, businesses and politicians to discuss challenges and opportunities, arguing that decisive action could bring innovation and wider benefits.
Northern Ireland was the last part of these islands to introduce climate legislation with legally binding emissions targets. Topping said gaps in ministerial government had left periods without climate policy, while political uncertainty could hinder investment and public choices. He warned that failing to act could mean missed economic opportunities, higher energy costs and harm to children’s health, and urged society to make the transition to net zero fair and inclusive.
- Nigel Topping says Northern Ireland must accelerate climate action.
- He warns inaction could raise energy costs and harm children’s health.
- A two-day visit is gathering views across farming, business and politics.
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Climate change is driven largely by greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide released by burning fossil fuels. The UK’s Climate Change Committee advises governments on reducing these emissions and tracks progress towards climate targets.
Northern Ireland has its own devolved government, where local ministers make decisions in areas such as energy, farming and transport. Its climate law came later than those in other parts of the UK, and gaps in ministerial government have at times interrupted policy-making.
Cutting emissions can involve changes to how homes are heated, how energy is produced and how farms and businesses operate. The choices matter for investment, household costs and public health, and governments must weigh how to share the costs and benefits of the transition.