Menu
15/04/2002
Report shows climate changes to coastal areas “inevitable”
The Minister of the Environment, Dermot Nesbitt, has said he is concerned that not enough people are aware about the impact ecological climate changes could have on their livelihoods.
Mr Nesbitt said: “Some degree of climate change is now inevitable as a result of past and present emissions of greenhouse gases and we will need to take steps to adapt.
“I am concerned that the researchers have identified there is a generally low awareness and concern about climate change. All aspects of the public and private sector could be vulnerable and it is vital to bring the potential impacts of climate change to the attention of everyone – be they farmers, fishermen or families.”
Mr Nesbitt’s comments were made following the publication of a DOE commissioned study 'The Implications of Climate Change for Northern Ireland’. The report, in conjunction with the Scotland and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research (SNIFFER) shows that Northern Ireland’s coastline will experience rapid change over the next century. The report also notes many interested parties are largely unaware of how this will affect society in coastal areas. The report shows that fishing communities and those dependent on sport angling will be most affected.
The risk of more frequent and severe flooding of vulnerable areas of Belfast and Londonderry will increase under climate change the study also shows.
Under the Kyoto Protocol, the UK is committed to cutting emissions of six greenhouse gases by 12.5 per cent (by 2008/2012 based on 1990 levels). In addition, the UK government set a domestic goal of a 20 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010, again on a 1990 baseline.
To achieve this the UK has published a Climate Change Programme which covers a wide range of fiscal, regulatory and presentational policies.
A Northern Ireland chapter is included in the Programme, confirming the north's commitment to the Programme and sets out action being taken.
Mr Nesbitt added: “I welcome this Report as a first step towards developing a Northern Ireland strategy for climate change impacts. It will enable people here to play a full role in the policies for climate change currently being developed on a UK, European and worldwide basis.”
It is anticipated that a more detailed programme of research will be developed, in conjunction with stakeholders, over the next few years in order to determine precisely the adaptation measures necessary in Northern Ireland. (AMcE)
Mr Nesbitt said: “Some degree of climate change is now inevitable as a result of past and present emissions of greenhouse gases and we will need to take steps to adapt.
“I am concerned that the researchers have identified there is a generally low awareness and concern about climate change. All aspects of the public and private sector could be vulnerable and it is vital to bring the potential impacts of climate change to the attention of everyone – be they farmers, fishermen or families.”
Mr Nesbitt’s comments were made following the publication of a DOE commissioned study 'The Implications of Climate Change for Northern Ireland’. The report, in conjunction with the Scotland and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research (SNIFFER) shows that Northern Ireland’s coastline will experience rapid change over the next century. The report also notes many interested parties are largely unaware of how this will affect society in coastal areas. The report shows that fishing communities and those dependent on sport angling will be most affected.
The risk of more frequent and severe flooding of vulnerable areas of Belfast and Londonderry will increase under climate change the study also shows.
Under the Kyoto Protocol, the UK is committed to cutting emissions of six greenhouse gases by 12.5 per cent (by 2008/2012 based on 1990 levels). In addition, the UK government set a domestic goal of a 20 per cent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2010, again on a 1990 baseline.
To achieve this the UK has published a Climate Change Programme which covers a wide range of fiscal, regulatory and presentational policies.
A Northern Ireland chapter is included in the Programme, confirming the north's commitment to the Programme and sets out action being taken.
Mr Nesbitt added: “I welcome this Report as a first step towards developing a Northern Ireland strategy for climate change impacts. It will enable people here to play a full role in the policies for climate change currently being developed on a UK, European and worldwide basis.”
It is anticipated that a more detailed programme of research will be developed, in conjunction with stakeholders, over the next few years in order to determine precisely the adaptation measures necessary in Northern Ireland. (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 September 2023
People Urged To Help Develop New Climate Action Plan
People across Northern Ireland are being urged to inform the country's response to the threats presented by climate change.
People Urged To Help Develop New Climate Action Plan
People across Northern Ireland are being urged to inform the country's response to the threats presented by climate change.
01 March 2019
Green Party Secure First Climate Emergency Motion For NI
Ards and North Down Borough Council has became the first district in Northern Ireland to declare a climate emergency, following a motion from Green Party Councillors this week. Councillors Rachel Woods and Barry McKee forwarded the motion on Wednesday 28 February, calling for action from the Northern Ireland Assembly, the UK government and the EU.
Green Party Secure First Climate Emergency Motion For NI
Ards and North Down Borough Council has became the first district in Northern Ireland to declare a climate emergency, following a motion from Green Party Councillors this week. Councillors Rachel Woods and Barry McKee forwarded the motion on Wednesday 28 February, calling for action from the Northern Ireland Assembly, the UK government and the EU.
16 February 2012
Ireland Aspires To Become A 'Green Leader'
Environment Minister Alex Attwood said today that the challenge for NI was to be a world leader in carbon reduction. He said that the ‘green and clean’ brand of Ireland could be grown if NI was and was seen as, a carbon leader. Leading on Climate Change is a central element in all of this.
Ireland Aspires To Become A 'Green Leader'
Environment Minister Alex Attwood said today that the challenge for NI was to be a world leader in carbon reduction. He said that the ‘green and clean’ brand of Ireland could be grown if NI was and was seen as, a carbon leader. Leading on Climate Change is a central element in all of this.
15 April 2024
DAERA Minister Announces New Climate Change Regulations
New regulations introducing climate change reporting duties will have a "crucial part to play in delivering and supporting climate action in Northern Ireland".
DAERA Minister Announces New Climate Change Regulations
New regulations introducing climate change reporting duties will have a "crucial part to play in delivering and supporting climate action in Northern Ireland".
05 January 2024
Volunteers Sought For Omagh Peatland Restoration Project
The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and Hughes Insurance are calling for volunteers to embrace a unique New Year's resolution – to help save Omagh's peatland sites in a bid to tackle climate change.
Volunteers Sought For Omagh Peatland Restoration Project
The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and Hughes Insurance are calling for volunteers to embrace a unique New Year's resolution – to help save Omagh's peatland sites in a bid to tackle climate change.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
