Climate Change (Northern Ireland) Act 2022, No. 31 (as amended)

The Climate Change (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 is a significant legislative measure aimed at addressing climate change within Northern Ireland. This Act sets out ambitious targets and frameworks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mirroring initiatives in other parts of the UK but tailored to the specific needs and context of Northern Ireland.

Purpose:

‍The primary purpose of the Climate Change (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 is to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors in Northern Ireland. The Act aims to achieve a 100% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (relative to 1990 levels), known as 'net zero'. Additionally, it sets interim targets to ensure progress is made consistently over the coming decades.

Requirements:

1. Emissions Reduction Targets: The Act sets legally binding targets for reducing emissions, including a requirement to reduce emissions by at least 82% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels.
2. Climate Action Plans: The Act mandates the development and implementation of climate action plans. These plans must detail the policies and strategies that will be employed to meet the emission reduction targets.
3. Reporting and Accountability: There is a requirement for regular reporting on the progress made towards achieving the set targets. This includes an annual report to be submitted by the responsible department.
4. Sector-Specific Measures: Specific measures and targets are required for different sectors such as agriculture, transportation, and energy, which are major sources of emissions in Northern Ireland.

Who They Apply To:

• Government Departments: Various departments are responsible for implementing the Act, formulating policies, and ensuring that sector-specific targets are met.
• Public Bodies: Similar to other regional legislation, public bodies are required to consider climate change impacts in their operations and decision-making processes.
• Businesses and Industries: Especially those in high-emission sectors, businesses are required to comply with new regulations and practices aimed at reducing emissions.
• Agricultural Sector: Given the significant role of agriculture in Northern Ireland’s economy, specific provisions apply to this sector, requiring practices that reduce emissions and enhance carbon sequestration.

The Climate Change (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 is a comprehensive approach intended to drive significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the global effort to combat climate change and move towards a sustainable future.

The Climate Change (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 sets forth specific evidence requirements to ensure effective monitoring, accountability, and transparency in the pursuit of its ambitious climate targets. These requirements are crucial for tracking progress and guiding policy decisions. Here's a concise summary of the key evidence requirements under this Act:

1. Emissions Data Collection:
   • Comprehensive and accurate data on greenhouse gas emissions must be collected from all relevant sectors, including agriculture, industry, transportation, and energy. This data is essential for assessing progress towards the emission reduction targets set by the Act.
2. Climate Action Plans:
   • Detailed evidence must support the development and implementation of Climate Action Plans. These plans should include specific measures, expected outcomes, and scientific and economic justifications for the strategies employed.
3. Annual Reporting:
   • The responsible government departments are required to prepare and present annual reports detailing the progress towards achieving the emission reduction targets. These reports should include quantitative data on emissions, analysis of trends, and an assessment of the effectiveness of the measures implemented.
4. Sector-Specific Strategies:
   • Evidence-based strategies must be formulated for key sectors such as agriculture and energy. These strategies should be supported by sector-specific data, benchmarking against targets, and feasibility studies to ensure that the proposed measures are both practical and effective.
5. Adaptation Reporting:
   • Reports on adaptation measures are also required under the Act. These should outline the risks of climate change specific to Northern Ireland, proposed adaptation strategies, and evidence of their expected effectiveness in increasing resilience to climate impacts.
6. Independent Audits and Reviews:
   • Independent evaluations and audits may be required to provide an objective assessment of the progress made and the validity of the data and strategies reported by government bodies.

These evidence requirements are designed to ensure that Northern Ireland’s approach to addressing climate change is robust, based on sound data, and leads to verifiable progress in reducing emissions and adapting to climate impacts.