DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has reiterated the crucial role that science will play in addressing climate and environmental challenges.

Speaking at the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water Annual Symposium at Queen’s University Belfast, the Minister stated that our climate is changing, biodiversity is under threat, and water resources are facing unprecedented pressures. He stressed that a healthy environment is essential for a sustainable economy and that science will be "front and centre" in helping to deliver on economic, social, and environmental ambitions. He highlighted the Co-Centre's collaborative approach, which looks at climate challenges on a North-South and East-West basis, as vital because environmental challenges "do not respect borders".

Professor Mark Emmerson, Co-Director of the Co-Centre, said the symposium shines a spotlight on how collective resources are being harnessed to provide scientific evidence for policy and legislation. He noted that the joint strategic partnership, funded by Research Ireland, UKRI, and DAERA, brings together expertise from across Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain to tackle shared issues.