There’s an inspiring wave of climate action sweeping across Northern Ireland, with everything from groundbreaking infrastructure investments to passionate grassroots heroes making real change happen.
Renowned author Michael Rosen is championing an innovative approach to climate education through the “Hot Poets Ignite” initiative, which pairs over 20 poets with climate scientists to deliver engaging poetry lessons in schools. Rather than inducing guilt or doom, these creative sessions aim to inspire optimism and showcase wonderful climate initiatives already underway. The Irish News reports this fresh approach addresses the climate anxiety young people face while empowering them with solutions.
Meanwhile, Belfast’s environmental champions are being celebrated through the Aisling Guardian of the Environment Award. Five remarkable organisations earned nominations, including National Park Cities Belfast, the GAA’s Sporting Nature Project, St James’ Community Farm, Crumlin and District Angling Association, and Trócaire’s Lenten Campaign. Each brings unique passion to protecting Northern Ireland’s natural heritage, from creating urban green spaces to defending river ecosystems.
On the infrastructure front, Belfast Harbour is positioning itself as a major offshore wind hub. EnBW and JERA Nex bp have committed over £100 million to lease the port’s D1 terminal for assembling components for the massive Mona and Morgan wind farms, creating approximately 300 jobs (Port Strategy). Once operational, these Irish Sea wind farms could power around 3 million UK homes annually.
Active travel is also getting a boost. Plans are underway for 1.5 kilometres of new cycle lanes and pedestrian improvements connecting Ulster University to Sailortown, transforming what officials currently describe as a fragmented and hostile environment for pedestrians and cyclists (The Irish News).
Young people are stepping up too. Students from St Catherine’s College Armagh led over 80 young people in a full-day COP30 Climate Simulation Negotiation at Belfast Castle, experiencing firsthand the complex challenges of international climate diplomacy (Armagh I).
There’s concrete policy progress too. Northern Ireland is introducing regulations to ban the sale and supply of wet wipes containing plastic by May 2027 (Belfast Live), addressing a major source of marine pollution. This is particularly significant given that 84% of beach litter in Northern Ireland is plastic (NI Environment Link).
From poets inspiring children to major port investments powering millions of homes, Northern Ireland’s climate story is one of genuine progress. Yes, challenges remain—investigations into sewage discharges and concerns about equitable transitions persist—but the combination of grassroots passion, youth engagement, and substantial investment shows that meaningful change is not just possible, it’s happening right now!