Minister outlines climate action plans and challenges amid funding squeeze. This is the first in a series of Climate Justice Group events aiming to raise awareness in the legal profession and promote climate justice across Northern Ireland.
The Law Society of Northern Ireland welcomed Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA to Law Society House this week for a high-level seminar on climate policy and legal engagement. The event, hosted by the Society’s Climate Justice Group, featured a moderated discussion between Minister Muir and Simon Chambers, Chair of the Group.
The seminar focused on the Minister’s flagship environmental initiatives, the growing role of the legal profession in climate justice, and the structural and financial obstacles facing his department since he assumed office in February 2024.
Opening the event, Mr Chambers underscored the importance of fostering stronger collaboration between the legal and policymaking communities.
“Lawyers have a unique role to play in driving forward the principles of climate justice,” said Mr Chambers. “As we face the realities of the climate crisis, it is essential that legal practitioners are not just interpreters of the law, but also advocates for policies that ensure a fair and sustainable future for all.”
During the seminar, Minister Muir reiterated his commitment to delivering on DAERA’s legal obligations:
“Since taking up my role as Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, I have remained committed to delivering on the legal requirements placed on my Department.
These are wide ranging and include commitments made in Northern Ireland’s first Environmental Improvement Plan which was agreed by the Executive last year and taking action to address climate change, with Northern Ireland’s first Climate Action Plan recently launched for consultation.
Given the environmental challenges we face, we need to continue to work together at pace and with ambition to realise the significant societal benefits that will arise from environmental improvement and climate action.”
The wide-ranging conversation also covered topics raised by attendees, such as legacy waste issues at the Mubuoy site and concerns over food security for Northern Ireland’s farming communities.
The event marks a significant milestone in the Law Society’s work to deepen its engagement with government on climate matters. Mr Chambers highlighted the Society’s recent efforts to support legal professionals in adapting to a changing environmental landscape through the work of the Climate Justice Group.
The Society says this seminar is the first in a year-long series of events aimed at raising awareness in the legal profession and promoting climate justice throughout Northern Ireland.
