Explanatory Memorandum

Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022

2022 CHAPTER 31

6 June 2022

Commentary on Sections

Part 1 - Emissions Targets

Section 9: Meaning of “net Northern Ireland emissions”

This section defines Northern Ireland emissions and Northern Ireland removals of greenhouse gases, and provides that Northern Ireland emissions for a period minus Northern Ireland removals for a period are net Northern Ireland emissions for a period.

Subsection (4) provides the Department with a power to amend the definition of Northern Ireland removals. The current definition covers nature-based approaches to greenhouse gas removal and the use of carbon capture and storage technology.