RSUA’s response to DAERA’s consultation on NI emission reduction targets and carbon budgets

26/10/2023

The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive have published a consultation on Northern Ireland’s 2030 & 2040 Emissions Reduction Targets and the First Three Carbon Budgets

The main aim of the consultation is to consult on the proposed 2030 and 2040 emissions targets for Northern Ireland and proposed carbon budgets for the periods 2023-2027, 2028-2032 and 2033-2037. This consultation was also being used as an opportunity to seek the public’s views on the Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) Advice Report: The Path to a Net Zero Northern Ireland published in March 2023.

DAERA is required to prepare regulations on carbon budgets and interim targets guided by advice from the CCC. This consultation and the conversations that will take place as a result will help inform the draft Climate Action Plan.

This consultation’s deadline was 11^th October 2023. RSUA has formulated a response with special thanks to Alan Ritchie and Jane Rogers.

Key points from RSUA’s response include:

• RSUA’s response is largely in agreement with the proposed NI emission reduction targets and the first three carbon budgets which are based on the current advice provided by the Climate Change Committee (CCC).

• RSUA believes there is a need for comprehensive impact assessments to gauge the potential effects of proposed carbon budgets in Northern Ireland. These assessments play a pivotal role in shaping informed decision-making and policy development as the region endeavours to meet its emissions reduction targets, particularly the Net Zero emissions target by 2050. RSUA provides a breakdown of potential financial, economic, social, rural and equality impacts that should be considered in an impact assessment.

To view RSUA’s full response, please click here.

If you have any queries or comments, please contact Lucy Mulgrew via lucy@rsua.org.uk