The Northern Ireland Environmental Statistics Report has been published today by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

This statistical report is produced annually and contains information on a range of environmental indicators in Northern Ireland. 

Download the report

The key points are:

Public Attitudes

• The level of public concern about environmental issues was high in 2022/23, with 80% very or fairly concerned about the environment.
• Illegal dumping of waste and litter was the biggest environmental concern for households (32%) in Northern Ireland in 2022/23.

Air & Climate

• Roadside nitrogen dioxide levels have decreased from 35.1g/m3 in 2011 to 23.8g/m3 in 2022.
• In 2020, Northern Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions were estimated to be 20.9 MtCO2e, a reduction of 24% since 1990.

Water and Marine

• In 2022 Soluble Reactive Phosphorus (SRP) was measured at 93 surveillance rivers across Northern Ireland giving an average concentration of 0.073 mg/l of phosphorus per litre of water.
• Of the twenty-five inshore coastal waterbodies delineated in Northern Ireland, 13 (52%) have been assessed at good or better ecological condition.
• In 2022, there were 1,535 water pollution incidents reported, of which 676 (44%) were substantiated (confirmed) as having an impact on the water quality of the receiving waterway.

Biodiversity

• In 2022/23, 55% of features within Marine and Terrestrial protected sites were in Favourable condition while 36% were in Unfavourable condition.

Historical Environment

• Listed buildings are those of special architectural or historic interest. The number of listed buildings in 2021/22 was 9,063, an increase of 11% compared to 2003/04.