Northern Ireland requires "courage and leadership" to address climate change, according to Nigel Topping, the new chair of the Climate Change Committee. Mr Topping is currently on a two-day fact-finding mission in the region, engaging with various sectors.
He highlighted Northern Ireland's potential as a small nation to be "agile and innovative" in tackling challenges such as increasing renewable energy, improving waste management, and reducing emissions. However, Mr Topping cautioned that a failure to act could result in missed innovation opportunities, increased energy costs, and harm to children's health.
The Climate Change Committee is an independent body that advises the UK and devolved governments on emissions targets. During his visit, Mr Topping is meeting with farmers, business sector representatives, and politicians, acknowledging the "complex" political landscape in Northern Ireland.