 Bill gained Royal Assent in June 2022. It set a goal of reaching net zero by 2050, creating legal obligations to reduce emissions. But the former Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots secured an amendment to his own bill that limited the required reduction in methane to no more than 46%. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that is mostly produced through agricultural activities. Critics say that puts additional pressure on other sectors to make up the difference. Northern Ireland's first Climate Action Plan coming from the bill is due to be published at the end of December 2023. It will contain targets for reductions in each of the highest emitting sectors. Image source, Getty ImagesThe latest Greenhouse Gas Inventory from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs shows agriculture to be the largest emitting sector in Northern Ireland, contributing 27% of emissions and showing an increase over the 30-year period covered by the statistical bulletin. Farmers say improving the efficiency of producing food is key to reducing their emissions. And while they welcomed the limit on the required reduction in methane, the president of the Ulster Farmers' Union says he is under no illusions about the targets agriculture will be asked to meet. "They will be challenging for agriculture," David Brown said. "That's why our farmers are looking at obviously carbon audits and so forth, because the retailers are saying we need to be able to provide evidence that we're moving in a direction that is reducing th){kind=link}
When COP26 was held a year ago in Glasgow, Northern Ireland was the only part of host nation the UK that did not have climate change legislation in place.
Now, as world leaders gather in Sharm El-Sheikh for COP27, what has changed for Northern Ireland, and where is it on its journey to net zero?
The big change, of course, is that climate legislation is now in place in Northern Ireland.
After an unprecedented two-bill race, Climate Change (No.2) Bill gained Royal Assent in June 2022.
It set a goal of reaching net zero by 2050, creating legal obligations to reduce emissions.