To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on the publication of Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan.

The Climate Action Plan is with my Executive colleagues for consideration. Subject to approval, my department will publish the plan at the earliest opportunity.

Publication will provide a clear, coordinated roadmap for how Northern Ireland will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, meet its first carbon budget and make progress towards the statutory target of net zero by 2050. It brings together policies and proposals from across government, giving departments, businesses, farmers, communities and households greater clarity about the actions required and the direction of travel.

The plan will support accountability by setting out what government intends to deliver and provides a basis for monitoring progress. That transparency is important to maintaining public confidence and ensuring that action remains focused and evidence based.

Crucially, publication will help us capture the wider benefits of climate action: supporting green jobs and investment, improving energy efficiency and energy security, protecting our environment, and delivering cleaner air and better health and wellbeing. It will also provide a framework for a fair and just transition, ensuring that the move to a low-carbon economy is managed in a way that recognises the needs of workers, businesses, rural communities and consumers.

The publication of Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan will therefore be an important milestone, turning our statutory commitments into coordinated and practical action.