Northern Ireland's New Climate Change Plan to Enhance Resilience

Mar 21, 2026, 2:53 AM

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The Northern Ireland Executive has approved an updated plan to boost the region's resilience to climate change. The Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme (NICCAP3) outlines 280 specific actions aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change across various sectors, including nature, food, infrastructure, communities, and business, from 2024 to 2029.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) Minister Andrew Muir, the plan was developed through "positive collaboration" across all government departments. This marks the third iteration of the Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme, which is required under the UK's Climate Change Act 2008, the first legally binding national framework for greenhouse gas reductions.

Climate change adaptation refers to actions taken to adjust to the effects of climate change that are already being felt, as well as projected impacts. This is distinct from mitigation, which involves efforts to reduce or limit greenhouse gas emissions.

The NICCAP3 includes a wide range of actions targeting numerous stakeholders, such as Translink, NI Water, local councils, academia, and businesses. Among its initiatives are a new Peatlands Strategy, city drainage plans for Londonderry and Belfast, a Sustainable Agriculture Programme, and a new Food Strategy Framework.

Muir highlighted that Northern Ireland is already experiencing the impacts of climate change, including more frequent and severe storms and flooding events. He noted the arrival of climate-sensitive animal diseases and intensified wildfires, all of which affect communities and businesses across the region.

Farmers in Northern Ireland are increasingly feeling the effects of climate change. Stephen Murdoch, a vegetable farmer near Comber, has observed significant changes in weather patterns. He noted that the weather now tends to follow 10-week periods, which can be either unseasonably wet or dry, complicating agricultural planning and execution. Murdoch stated that, despite aiming to harvest about 200 crates of cauliflowers daily, he has been averaging only 50 to 100 crates due to adverse weather conditions.

Another farmer, Peter Gallagher from County Fermanagh, described his land as vulnerable to flooding, highlighting that the weather has become less predictable. He has adopted a regenerative approach to grass-growing to adapt to the changing conditions, which has enabled him to manage the wetness of the ground more effectively. Gallagher pointed out that traditional farming schedules are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain due to the changing climate, impacting the quality and yield of crops like hay meadows, which are crucial for supporting pollinators and livestock.

The Deputy President of the Ulster Farmers' Union, John McLenaghan, remarked that the changing climate is compressing an already busy seasonal schedule for farmers. The need for more efficient and productive agriculture is emphasized, especially as the global population continues to grow. Despite the challenges, McLenaghan expressed optimism for the future of agriculture in Northern Ireland, believing it has the potential to become a leader in this sector.

As the impacts of climate change continue to escalate, the new NICCAP3 serves as a critical framework for Northern Ireland to enhance its resilience and adapt to the evolving environmental landscape. The plan underscores the importance of collaboration among various sectors and stakeholders to effectively address the challenges posed by climate change and ensure a sustainable future for the region's communities and economy.

Through this proactive approach, Northern Ireland aims to not only mitigate the immediate effects of climate change but also build a foundation for long-term sustainability and adaptability in the face of ongoing environmental changes.

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