It’s fantastic that the target date is almost 30 years out, eh? Gives them plenty of time to say “we’re getting there!”
Climate change: New law in Northern Ireland aims for net zero by 2050
Northern Ireland will soon have its first laws to tackle climate change after MLAs at Stormont passed new, specific legislation.
Agriculture and Environment Minister Edwin Poots had brought the bill.
It will include a target for net zero emissions by 2050 and the appointment of a climate change commissioner. (snip)
Northern Ireland has been the only part of the UK without climate legislation. (snip)
Mr Poots had originally proposed an 82% reduction in emissions by 2050.
But in February the assembly voted to amend that to a net zero target by the same date, saying it would bring Northern Ireland in line with other parts of the UK.
The bill also now includes legal provision for Just Transition – support for sectors to adjust without being unduly penalised.
It’s not actually much of a plan, just a bit political fluff and let’s put together some commissions to figure out how this will actually be done. Hire some commissioners at taxpayer expense. There are some base targets, and report stuff, carbon budgets, and proposals to come up with actual policies. Soon, they’ll get around to how they’ll take more money from citizens and control their lives.
And the required reduction in methane, a potent greenhouse gas mostly produced by agriculture, will be limited to 46% under the new laws, following an amendment brought by Mr Poots during an earlier stage of debate.
They’re damned sure not going to interfere with their cow and dairy industry, nor crops. Nor the exports on machinery. But, it’s some great climavirtue signaling.
