The Department of Environment (DoE) has published Northern Ireland's first ever Climate Change Adaptation Programme.

The Programme provides a cross departmental response to the potential risks and opportunities from our changing climate. The Climate Change Risk Assessment for Northern Ireland, which was published last year, provided an assessment of the risks to Northern Ireland of the current and predicted impacts of climate change. The Risk Assessment identified flooding as one of the priority climate change risks facing Northern Ireland. It also highlighted a number of risks that threaten people, property, critical infrastructure and important natural habitats.

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Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: "In recent years we have experienced at firsthand extreme weather in the form of heavier snowfalls, more intense rainfall and flooding. Many of us as individuals and as part of the wider community have felt the severe and harsh consequences of these events.

"The Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme provides an integrated government response to the challenge of climate change and presents the first steps in ensuring the North is better prepared for the impacts our changing climate may bring. Crucially, our planned approach boosts resilience and outlines how we can deal with the challenges and opportunities of climate change in order to safeguard our environment, society and economy, both now and for future generations."

(CD/MH)