Climate and City Resilience Committee

The Climate and City Resilience Committee will be responsible for political oversight of the resilience strategy for Belfast, liaising with Belfast Resilience and Sustainability Board who are responsible for monitoring and delivery with the support of Belfast Climate Commission, supporting a targeted approach through existing structures to those issues which pose the greatest risk to the city, its economy and its people. This includes considering the potential implications of climate change for the city of Belfast and for making recommendations to the Council on Belfast City Council’s approach to addressing the climate crisis and Council’s role and responsibilities at city level.   Its specific functions include:  

i.                     Political oversight of the Resilience Strategy for Belfast including liaising with Belfast Resilience and Sustainability Board

ii.                   Political oversight of the development and implementation of the Council's Climate Action Plan including liaising with Climate Programme Board, enhancing climate literacy among staff and disclosure of climate data;  

iii.                 influencing and contributing to regional considerations of the implications of climate change and other shocks and stresses identified in the Resilience Assessment on both the work of the Council and on the City;  

iv.                 understanding the economic risks to the city associated with climate change and other shocks and stresses – including how these might impact the ability of Belfast to continue to attract and retain investment and grow the rate base;  

v.                   monitoring the particular implications of climate change for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities across the city and to actively plan with them under the principles of a Just Transition;

vi.                 to consider public campaigns/public education programmes which the Council may wish to deliver to change behaviour among residents and businesses;

vii.                to take account of the Council’s statutory responsibilities on sustainable development and relevant Programme for Government commitments; and to hear evidence from other parties;

viii.              to consider good practice from other cities and local authorities from the UK, Ireland and internationally;  

ix.                  The continuous monitoring of progress and announcements around Brexit;  

x.                   Influencing and contributing to regional considerations of the implications of Brexit on both the work of the Council and on the district;  

xi.                  to foster and maintain positive relations and cultural links with the European Union, and within the United Kingdom, post Brexit;  

xii.                Identifying any actions the Council may take to mitigate any adverse impacts arising and capitalising on any opportunities as a result of Brexit;  

xiii.              establishing links and collaborating with relevant authorities and organisations on a North/South and East/West basis and connections with Europe; and  

xiv.         to work collaboratively with the Shared Island Unit to avail of funding opportunities and deal with strategic issues and challenges to the benefit of our citizens.