Women’s Policy Group Responds to Draft Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme
31 July 2025 — The Women’s Policy Group (WPG) has submitted a formal response to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) regarding the Draft Third Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme (NICCAP3).
While welcoming the opportunity to engage with this critical consultation, the WPG has highlighted four key concerns and recommendations:
Commendation for Comprehensive Planning
The WPG praised NICCAP3 for its detailed risk summary and action plan, noting the clear assignment of departmental responsibilities and the integration of partnership arrangements. The document reflects a strong understanding of climate change mitigation challenges.Call for Intersectional Gender Analysis
The WPG expressed disappointment at the lack of intersectional analysis within the Programme. The WPG emphasized that climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, and urged DAERA to incorporate gender, poverty, disability, and racialisation into its planning to avoid replicating existing inequalities in a future green economy.Urgency in Addressing Key Risks
The WPG raised concerns about the number of risks marked as requiring “more action,” urging the Department to act swiftly and decisively to protect Northern Ireland from the escalating impacts of climate change.Concerns Over Sustainability of Case Studies
The Programme’s use of Social Farms and Gardens as a best practice example was questioned, as the organisation currently lacks funding and is unable to operate. The WPG also noted that other community initiatives like GrowNI are similarly underfunded. The Group called for a stronger commitment to resourcing local, community-led resilience efforts.
Climate policy must be inclusive and equitable. Without a gendered lens, we risk leaving behind those most affected by climate change. Community resilience starts with proper funding. We urge DAERA to support the grassroots organisations that are vital to our climate future.
For further information, please contact:
Elaine Crory – elaine.crory@wrda.net
Meghan Hoyt – meghan.hoyt@wrda.net
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