NESC’s Presentation to the North South Ministerial Council Environment Sector Meeting on 10/6/2024

• 5 July 2024
• Topics: Environment
• Types: News

Dr Helen Johnston, policy analyst at NESC, presented to the North South Ministerial Council Environment meeting on 10^th June 2024 in Armagh. Helen’s presentation drew from the NESC Council report Collaboration on Climate and Biodiversity: Shared Island as a Catalyst for Renewed Ambition and Action. This work emphasised that ambitious all-island action and collaboration are crucial for combatting climate change and biodiversity loss. Both Ireland and Northern Ireland face similar challenges in relation to environmental protection, climate mitigation and protection of biodiversity.

Helen identified 3 themes for cooperation. These are:

• Shared ambition where many organisations want the same things for the environment, e.g. the all-Ireland pollinator plan
• Shared experiences of organisations and networks on issues such as bird protection and water quality
• Shared opportunities and challenges in business, energy, research and regulation

Suggested actions that were drawn from these themes included having a shared vision and supporting existing collaborations through funding and conferences. Specifically focusing on key areas such as the circular economy, supporting nature restoration networks, and strengthening cooperation and knowledge on the marine and coastal impacts of climate change were also highlighted. In conclusion, Helen stressed the importance of having a statement of common purposes, and how we can harness the contribution of civil society in supporting climate and biodiversity targets for the island as a whole.

Please click the following link to view the PowerPoint presentation Helen delivered on the day.