I bring to the House's attention a recent report on the impact of climate change on Northern Ireland. The study, which was led by the University of Bristol and linked to Queen's University Belfast, provides critical insights into the increasing climate risks that our rural areas face, particularly regarding health and agriculture. The localised research that was conducted focused on towns across Northern Ireland, including Castlederg in County Tyrone, which holds the records for Northern Ireland's hottest and coldest temperatures.

The lead author, Dr Alan Kennedy-Asser, who is from Moira in County Down, said that the research emphasises the valuable insights that we can gain from local experts, such as those in Castlederg, which already faces the impacts of global warming: changes that other areas of Northern Ireland are likely to encounter in coming years. For instance, the study shockingly shows that extreme heat in Northern Ireland could result in nearly 100 deaths each year, primarily affecting rural communities. The statistics highlight that, as climate change intensifies, heat-related health issues such as cardiovascular and respiratory complications will emerge as more significant public health challenges.

In addition to public health, the report findings show that the impact on our agriculture sector will be significant. We can anticipate more disruptions from flash flooding, which will hinder operations and extend drought periods, necessitating more water for crops. Furthermore, such unseasonal weather can have disastrous effects on farm planning and management and pose risks to animal health and welfare.

The report suggests that we might experience the peak of those effects in just 50 years' time. Nevertheless, we already see those issues arise, including increased water temperatures affecting Lough Neagh, along with biodiversity and species decline. Climate change is not a future threat: it is happening now and impacting on our farming methods and the well-being of our rural communities.

The report contributes to the increasing evidence of the ongoing harm that we are causing to our planet and the anticipated impacts on our daily lives. As Members of the Assembly, we need to face that truth, as we are swiftly running out of time to undo the harm that we have caused and are still causing. The Alliance AERA Minister has already been working actively to address the effects of climate change, and such efforts require equal commitment from all parties. We have a responsibility to future generations to make sure of that.

It is probably important to mention today, with the backdrop of the report that I have referenced, that, although some scepticism has been expressed by some parties on the appointment of a climate commissioner and, indeed, on climate change in general, existing and emerging science shows that we must work at pace on climate action. That is especially important given that various collapses of the Assembly and gaps in delivery have resulted in Northern Ireland falling behind —

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— when we could have been making progress —

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— on those issues.