Next steps for climate adaptation and resilience in the UK

About This Event

This policy conference on climate adaptation and resilience in the UK takes place on the morning of 2 December 2026, run by Westminster Energy, Environment & Transport Forum. The event is online. The conference examines next steps for strengthening UK climate adaptation as the Government prepares the Fourth National Adaptation Programme (NAP4), following the Climate Change Committee's Fourth Independent Assessment of UK Climate Risk which estimates an annual adaptation investment requirement of around £11bn. Attendees include parliamentary pass-holders, officials from multiple government departments, regulators and key stakeholders.

The programme covers four main areas. Climate risk and adaptation planning sessions examine systemic risk, flood defences, wildfire risk and essential services resilience. Standards, governance and accountability discussions address minimum resilience standards, adaptation duties, climate data reporting and regulatory coherence. Funding, investment and delivery sessions explore closing the adaptation funding gap, mobilising public and private finance, delivery capacity and insurance implications. Communities, public services and preparedness sessions consider public attitudes, vulnerability, local government capacity and emergency response coordination. Confirmed speakers include Florence Bates from the Climate Change Committee, Leah Ramoutar from Aviva, Dr James Jenkins from Ofwat, and representatives from National Audit Office, Historic England, National Highways, Government Office for Science and local authorities.

This conference matters to SME owners and sustainability leads because climate adaptation affects business continuity, infrastructure resilience, insurance costs and regulatory requirements. The discussions on standards, duties and reporting frameworks will shape future compliance expectations. Understanding investment signals, funding mechanisms and risk-sharing approaches helps businesses plan for climate impacts including heat, flooding and water stress. Sessions on community preparedness and essential services continuity provide practical insights for protecting operations and supporting local resilience.

Key Takeaways

• Climate Change Committee estimates annual UK adaptation investment need of around £11bn
• Government preparing Fourth National Adaptation Programme and Fourth Climate Change Risk Assessment by January 2027
• Sessions cover governance frameworks, minimum resilience standards and potential adaptation duties for infrastructure
• Discussion on insurance affordability and availability as climate risks intensify
• Local government capacity challenges for adaptation planning, delivery and supporting essential services

Who Should Attend

• Sustainability leads in businesses affected by climate risks including heat, flooding or water stress
• SME owners planning long-term investment in climate-resilient infrastructure or operations
• Finance and risk managers assessing climate adaptation costs and insurance implications
• Business leaders responsible for ensuring continuity of essential services or supply chains