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Department of the Environment (DOE)

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Climate Change

In Northern Ireland, DOE takes a lead on climate change issues through our Climate Change Unit. We work closely with Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) Opens in a new window. and DECC (Department for Energy and Climate Change) Opens in a new window. in London and with our colleagues in the Devolved Administrations of Scotland Opens in a new window. and Wales Opens in a new window..

ABOUT US

All government Departments bear a collective responsibility in achieving the NI Executive’s Programme for Government target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 2025 by 25% from 1990 levels. DOE’s contribution to this is principally provided through its Climate Change Unit based in Calvert House, Belfast.

WHAT WE DO

The Unit supports the Minister in policy issues such as:

  • Developing and delivering arrangements to support the UK Climate Change Act 2008 including links with other UK administrations and the independent Committee on Climate Change;
  • Developing and delivering the Carbon Reduction Commitment Opens in a new window.
  • Climate change adaptation policy including development of a UK risk assessment and ultimately a Northern Ireland Adaptation Programme
  • The calculation and monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions in Northern Ireland through Inventories
  • Input to EU and UK policy developments such as EU Emissions Trading Scheme, the EU Energy and Climate Change package and the preparations for future global negotiations on climate change.

WHAT WE DON’T DO

All government Departments, not just DOE, play a role in greenhouse gas reductions. Due to this collective responsibility, DOE does not lead on all policies that touch on climate change. For example:

  • All NI government Departments are committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2015;
  • The Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment has responsibilities for energy policy including renewables;
  • The Department of Finance is responsible for energy efficiency improvements through building regulations;
  • The Department of Regional Development is responsible for transport policy;
  • The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development plays a role in emission reductions through its forestry and land use policy and practices; and
  • The Department of Social Development plays a role in energy efficiency in domestic residences.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further information on climate change responsibilities in Northern Ireland can be requested by contacting us at  climate.change@doeni.gov.uk
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