Met Office scientists warned that climate change poses specific threats to Northern Ireland’s agriculture, presenting new data at a Stormont event co-hosted by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Environment Minister Andrew Muir addressed the gathering, saying that independent scientific evidence shows climate change is already causing real and measurable impacts across the region. Increased flooding, more frequent extreme weather, rising temperatures and sea levels were among the risks outlined.

The Minister said it is vital to base decisions on the best available evidence to protect communities, support the economy and safeguard the natural environment. He highlighted the need to progress actions within the Third Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme, publish the first Climate Action Plan and advance wider climate policies.

The session examined operational challenges facing the agriculture sector, with shifting weather patterns, prolonged wet spells and rising temperatures expected to significantly affect the local agri-food industry.

Professor Jason Lowe, a principal fellow at the Met Office, said the organisation’s role is to provide climate intelligence so that decision-makers can respond to the challenges. He noted that while reducing greenhouse gas emissions helps prevent the worst impacts, adapting to changes is also critical, and an evidence-based approach to risk assessment ensures effective action.

The event included a question-and-answer panel with scientists, part of an ongoing DAERA initiative to raise public awareness and support evidence-based policy across all sectors.