With the approval of the UK's Climate Change Bill fast approaching, it has raised the question as to whether Northern Ireland needs its own specific climate change legislation. The introduction of this UK Bill poses a number of complex questions for each of the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
A consultative paper published this month by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has drawn attention to the division of responsibility for climate change polices, and as yet, has made no firm proposals on how this should be handled. It is therefore the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Executive to consider whether there should be an explicit Northern Ireland climate change policy and action programme, a 'buy-in' to UK-wide policies or a clear statement of allocated responsibilities with regard to climate change.
Greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland are 3.2% of the UK total and in the 15 years prior to 2005 had fallen by 5.6%, compared to 16% for the whole of the UK. In other words, the local emissions level is high and staying too high. In the Climate Change Bill, the UK Government have proposed a target reduction of 60% in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050, with an intermediate target of around 26%-32% by 2020. Both targets use the levels measured in 1990. In addition, the intention is that these targets should be legally enforceable.
In recent years, Northern Ireland's response to climate change has been partial and poorly co-ordinated. As yet there has been no indication on whether they should have its own quantitative targets for reduced emissions or simply work on the principle of applying UK policies with no binding local targets. This position should be clarified before the UK legislation is finalised next year.
