There’s a genuinely exciting business success story brewing in County Antrim. AD Sustainability, based in Ballygally near Larne, is planning to double in size as it expands into the Republic of Ireland, riding an “exponential rise” in demand for its services — driven by businesses eager to cut costs, improve environmental performance and meet evolving regulatory requirements. Founded by Adrian Davis in 2013, the company has been supported by the government-backed Go Succeed business support service, helping it to scale up and prepare for its next phase of growth. This is green enterprise at its most vibrant — proof that sustainability consultancy is a booming sector with a bright all-island future!
Belfast City Council used Earth Day to tell about its impressive climate credentials — and rightly so! After becoming the first organisation to sign up to receive green electricity from a new wind farm at Ballyutoag in the Belfast Hills, over 200 council venues, including City Hall, Belfast Zoo and leisure and community centres city-wide, now receive energy from renewable sources. Solar power is also having a moment: solar panels on the roof of Donegall Pass Community Centre now power the building and all activities held there, keeping it effectively off-grid for 80% of the time. On the roads, the council is rolling out hydrogen refuse trucks that eliminate up to 90% of CO₂ emissions compared to fossil diesel, alongside 31 fully electric vehicles releasing zero CO₂. Small changes, big impact — and Belfast is walking the walk.
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir raised the alarm about wildfires, but his message was ultimately one of collective care for Northern Ireland’s spectacular landscapes. During Stormont question time, the Minister confirmed that his department’s wildfire action plan would work with landowners in the Mournes and other regions to reduce the likelihood and impact of wildfires. He also made an important connection: the issues associated with wildfires in Northern Ireland are not unconnected with climate change — with weather patterns shifting and places becoming more susceptible — which is precisely why climate action matters. The cross-party message was clear: report suspicious fires, act responsibly, and cherish the countryside we’re lucky enough to call home.
Are you sneezing more than you used to? You’re not imagining it! A new Lancet Countdown in Europe 2026 report has confirmed that hay fever sufferers are now enduring symptoms for up to two weeks longer than in the 1990s, as climate change has shifted the flowering season of allergenic trees including birch, alder and olive. The Irish Pharmacy Union is encouraging people prone to seasonal allergies to take early steps to manage their symptoms and seek advice from their local pharmacist. Knowledge is power — and with earlier treatment, sufferers can stay one step ahead of the pollen!