Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has welcomed a joint event organized alongside the Met Office focusing on the core science and evidence surrounding climate change.

Prominent specialists from the Met Office gathered at Stormont to outline the importance of implementing independent scientific evidence to evaluate and respond to the impacts of climate change, both globally and locally across Northern Ireland.

During the session, which was co-hosted by DAERA in Parliament Buildings, the Met Office presented its latest data models and analysis on projected climate trends. The findings underscored the local consequences a warming climate is anticipated to have on public health, infrastructure, and the natural environment.

Addressing attendees at the event, Minister Muir stated: "Today is about evidence – independent scientific evidence on how our climate is changing. Climate change is not a distant challenge it is already having real and measurable impacts across Northern Ireland.

"The Met Office's world-leading expertise helps us to understand future climate scenarios and the risks we face, from increased flooding and more frequent extreme weather events to rising temperatures and sea levels.

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"It is vital that we continue to base our decisions on the best available evidence so that we can protect our communities, support our economy and safeguard our natural environment for future generations.

"There is a clear and urgent need to act. The scientific evidence presented today reinforces the importance of progressing the actions within our Third Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme to build our resilience, publishing our first Climate Action Plan and advancing wider climate policies."

Participants at the session also examined the distinct operational challenges confronting Northern Ireland's agriculture sector. Shifting weather patterns, prolonged wet intervals, and rising temperatures are expected to trigger considerable implications for the local agri-food industry.

The Minister added: "Addressing climate change requires collective effort. With Government, businesses, communities and individuals all having a vital role to play in building resilience and delivering a sustainable future for Northern Ireland."

Professor Jason Lowe OBE, Met Office Principal Fellow Applied & Climate Science, commented: "The role of the Met Office is to provide the very best climate intelligence through world leading science, enabling decision makers, business and individuals to make evidence-based decisions in response to the challenges of our changing climate.

"The evidence is clear that our climate is changing, and we know that reducing our greenhouse gas emissions will help prevent the very worst impacts of climate change. However, it is also critical to adapt to the changes we're going to see, and an evidence-based approach to assessing the risks will help ensure the most effective action is taken."

The event featured a question-and-answer panel session, giving attendees an opportunity to engage directly with climate scientists and explore the data metrics in greater depth. The seminar forms part of an ongoing initiative by DAERA to increase public awareness regarding climate change while facilitating evidence-based policy across all sectors.