Transcript Emissions Trading: A Briefing

PRE-CONSULTATION
SEEKING VIEWS ON THE NEED FOR
CLIMATE CHANGE LEGISLATION IN
NORTHERN IRELAND
BRENDAN FORDE
CLIMATE CHANGE UNIT, DOE
Today
• NIEL event
• My role is to explain pre-consultation & clarify issues
NI greenhouse gas emissions 1990-2010 and projections 2011-2025 including sensitivity analysis of higher/lower emissions scenarios
Greenhouse gas inventory emissions 1990 - 2010
Projected greenhouse gas emissions 2011-2025
6,000
5,000
4,000
Programme for Government target - reduction by at least 35% on 1990 levels by 2025
3,000
2,000
1,000
Year
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1995
0
1990
Greenhouse gas emissions (kilotonnes carbon equivalent)
7,000
Current governance arrangements
• PfG target
– 35% reductions in 2025 on 1990 levels
• Cross Departmental Working Group on CC
– Departmental Action Plan 2011
– Progress Report 2012
– Progress Report 2013 (pending)
• Climate NI
– Forum of government and non-government organisations
on adaptation
• Other policies have own project arrangements
Other Jurisdictions
• UK – UK Climate Change Act 2008
• Scotland – Scottish Climate Change Act 2009
• Wales – no specific legislation (being considered)
• RoI – Draft Heads of Bill published
• 32/33 biggest economies now legislating on climate
change
Minister’s Views
“ I believe that we should do all that is possible to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions whilst putting in
place the necessary measures to create a framework
for managing the transition to a low carbon
economy, positioning Northern Ireland as a world
leader in carbon reduction. In my view this can be
supported by the introduction of Northern Ireland
climate change legislation. But whatever course is
chosen, ensuring NI business has good
opportunities to grow, must be a key factor in the
conclusions reached.”
Public Views
Your views on:
• Non-legislative approach
• NI climate change legislation
Non-legislative Approach
• CDWGCC plus individual departmental action
• Enhanced with sectoral/voluntary targets
• Concerns that may not deliver
• NI is already part of UK CC Act
Legislative Approach
• Ensure change happens
• Clear political long term commitment
• Integration of political/community action
• Greater certainty for investors
• Support jobs and security of energy supply
• Positive image of clean/green
Views Sought On
• Value of a NI CC Bill (Q1)
• Targets including issues of time frame,
primary/secondary legislation, etc (Q2-Q4)
• Independent advice (Q5)
• Duties for public bodies (Q6-Q8)
• Adaptation Programme (Q9)
• Others (Q10-Q11)
Conclusion
• Your views by 24 May 2013 will inform policy
development
• Executive will make decision
• Thanks to NIEL for opportunity to explain today
• Happy to respond to other requests