Protecting our people and the environment

Northern Ireland is blessed with a wonderful natural environment which we are committed to protecting and enhancing; both for the benefit of today's citizens and for generations to come. We have inherited a region renowned for its attractive landscape, clean water and air, historic buildings, dramatic coastline and blue flag beaches. We recognise that we have a duty to care for and sustain this natural resource. The quality of our environment underpins the success of our agri-food and tourism economy - and increasingly our creative and film sectors - and acts as a broader magnet that enhances the attraction of the region as an investment destination. These are important considerations for our future prosperity and wellbeing.

Compliance with international standards is another driver of investment. In waste management, for example, European Law requires us to make less use of landfill and invest more in new waste treatment facilities. Meeting the requirements of the EU Nitrates and EU Water Frameworks also has financial repercussions that we will address.

The UK Climate Change Act 2008 legislated for an 80% mandatory cut in the UK's carbon emissions by 2050 (compared to 1990 levels), with a target of 35% by 2025. We must adapt swiftly to meet these targets. This means becoming more energy efficient, switching fuels, changing transport modes, and replacing inefficient infrastructure.

In energy generation, we will work with the utility companies to migrate from a reliance on imported fossil fuels to clean renewable generation in the future. If we act decisively, we can create new jobs and develop local expertise in this growing sector, building on our natural resources for wind and wave power and also on the engineering prowess of local companies and our universities and FE colleges.

Action is needed to change energy demand. Smart metering can help people to focus on waste and encourage investment in energy efficiency measures. Upgrading the public housing stock is another major challenge in the next decade - and we plan to support a major programme of home insulation. Investment in the public transport network, together with other actions, must facilitate a shift away from the car in order to reduce emissions.

Importantly, we will continue to invest in flood risk management infrastructure so that people and property in vulnerable areas are less at risk during extreme weather.