The Climate Change Bill is the first piece of climate-specific legislation to come before the NI Assembly.
The Bill is truly ground-breaking and has been drafted by a coalition of legal professionals, scientists, academics and environmental groups from the Climate Coalition NI.
It is a Private Member's Bill (PMB) with cross-party support from Sinn Fein, SDLP, UUP, Alliance, PBP and independent MLAs.
Green Party NI Leader and MLA for South Belfast, Clare Bailey, is the lead sponsor of the Bill.
The main objectives of the Bill are:
- To achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045
- For Northern Ireland to become climate resilient
- Achieve an environmentally sustainable economy
The Bill requires the Executive Office to bring forward a Climate Action Plan within three years of the Bill becoming law, and every five years thereafter. Interim emissions reduction targets will be included in the Climate Action Plan.
The Climate Bill passed Second Stage on Monday 10 May and is with the AERA Committee at present for detailed scrutiny.
More information on the Climate Bill for Northern Ireland via the Assembly website: Climate Change Bill (niassembly.gov.uk)
For media enquiries on the Climate Change Bill please contact:
Jack O'Dwyer-Henry
jack.o'[email protected]
075044 10770