Guest blog by Ruby Free, Campaigning Communications Officer, RSPB NI
Rathlin Island by Ruby Free
The clock is ticking on the NI Assembly passing a Climate Bill into law, it is just two short months until the end of the Assembly term and legislation is currently only at the Consideration Stage, it needs to progress quickly!
As the only part of the UK and Ireland without its own climate legislation, we have a critical opportunity to send a clear message to the Government that we want an ambitious net zero target to reduce our emissions in harmony with nature to revive our world for future generations.
Our research proves that by harnessing the power of nature, Northern Ireland can be a small place with big climate ambition.
We are working with colleagues across the environmental sector to support the passing of a Climate Change Bill to ensure the Bill passes its final stages before the Assembly term ends in late March.
On Tuesday 1st February, Northern Ireland saw it's first ever net zero amendment being passed through the assembly for the Climate Change (2) Bill.
This is a huge achievement, however we still have a long way to go!
Almost two years ago the NI Executive declared a Climate Emergency but we still don’t have a Climate Act in Northern Ireland. To halt the impact of climate change we need to see ambitious action at every level.
Young people protesting by Press Eye
Why do we need laws on climate?
Risks to our already threatened wildlife and natural habitats will also be exacerbated as a result of the climate emergency. Findings are confirmed in the State of Nature 2019 outlined how climate change is already driving widespread changes in the abundance, distribution and ecology of Northern Ireland’s wildlife, and will continue to do so for decades or even centuries to come.
Atlantic Puffin by Ruby Free
It is clear, Northern Ireland needs to speed up its response to this emergency, especially because we are ranked the 12th worst place in the world for biodiversity loss. We contribute massively to the UK’s overall carbon emissions and have made the slowest progress towards reducing emissions of any part of the UK. There is little doubt that Northern Ireland has to have a truly ambitious Climate Change Bill to help avert the climate crisis – for both nature and for ourselves.
The purpose of the Climate Change Bill is to enable the mitigation of the impact of climate change in Northern Ireland by establishing a legally binding net-zero carbon target.
As global temperatures continue to rise (it’s already 1.3 degrees warmer) and more evidence on climate impacts becomes available, it’s likely that targets to reduce emissions will need to be accelerated.
Stormont by Simon Harrison Photography
Introducing a Climate Change Bill with an ambitious target to reach net zero emissions in harmony with nature, will put Northern Ireland on a sustainable pathway and prevent the risk of further painful and costly changes in the future.
How can you help?
If you want to share your views on the Bill, then sending an email to members of the AERA Committee is a great way to make your voice heard.
You can also write to your MLA
If you need help in writing this, please don’t hesitate to contact RSPB NI's Campaigns Team. And if you do send a message, please forward it or BCC us on it, as we’d love to know your thoughts as well. For more information, contact – Ruby.Free@rspb.org.uk