30 April 2026
Asim Ali, ISEP’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, reflects on the key environmental, energy and sustainability developments during April 2026, and what they mean for environmental professionals and the wider transition to a sustainable economy.
As global conflicts, rising costs and continued economic uncertainty persist, sustainability policy is increasingly being framed not only as an environmental necessity, but also as a driver of competitiveness, energy security and long-term prosperity. This was reflected throughout April in a series of developments across the UK and internationally, including accelerated clean energy deployment, growing investment in biodiversity recovery, planning and regulatory reform, and increasing attention to resilient supply chains and domestic production.
Together, these developments suggest that environmental policy is becoming more closely integrated with wider economic and strategic priorities, as governments seek to strengthen resilience while supporting long-term sustainable growth.
With local and devolved elections taking place across parts of the UK in May, environmental, climate and energy issues are featuring increasingly prominently within local campaigns. Across England, Scotland and Wales, debates around housing delivery, transport connectivity, flooding resilience, farming, energy bills and local economic growth all have clear sustainability dimensions, highlighting how environmental policy is becoming more closely tied to everyday public priorities and place-based decision-making.
Particular political attention is focused on the Senedd election 2026 on 7 May, where polls suggest a highly competitive contest. In that context, ISEP has reviewed and compared the positions of the main political parties across a range of key environmental, climate and energy policy areas in Wales. Members and stakeholders are welcome to use this overview to better understand the policy choices facing Wales.
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1. Nature recovery is becoming a strategic policy priority
Large-scale public investment, growing biodiversity markets and increased focus on ecosystem resilience show that nature is increasingly recognised as central to economic stability, food security and long-term growth.
2. Clean energy delivery is accelerating
The emphasis is shifting from high-level ambition and target-setting towards faster implementation of renewable energy, grid infrastructure, market reform and low-carbon heating systems. This was reflected through approvals for major solar developments, reforms aimed at reducing the influence of gas prices on electricity bills, and continued expansion of heat networks and other domestic clean energy infrastructure.
3. Professional standards and delivery capability are becoming more important
As systems are reformed and become faster, more integrated and increasingly outcome-focused, governments and industry will rely more heavily on competent environmental professionals to deliver robust, evidence-based outcomes and maintain public confidence in the transition.
UK–China climate change cooperation
The UK government published details of a Memorandum of Understanding between the United Kingdom and China on climate change cooperation, establishing a framework for bilateral engagement on climate-related issues and future collaborative activity. The agreement is intended to support cooperation in areas such as emissions reduction, clean energy transition, carbon markets, climate adaptation and resilience, low-carbon technologies, and wider implementation of international climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. It also signals the continued importance of pragmatic international collaboration on climate issues despite wider geopolitical tensions.
Clean energy competition intensifies
Major economies continued competing for investment in batteries, hydrogen, grids, critical minerals and domestic clean manufacturing capacity. This theme was highlighted during discussions with the Development Policy Committee of the Finnish Parliament, where the growing link between climate policy, industrial competitiveness, supply chain resilience and strategic access to clean technologies was emphasised. The global transition is increasingly being shaped not only by environmental ambition, but also by economic security and long-term industrial strategy.
For ISEP, this reinforces that sustainability is now closely linked to industrial strategy and competitiveness. Professionals who can speak both to the environmental and economic priorities will be increasingly valuable.
Global energy prices surge amid Middle East conflict
In its latest commodity markets outlook, the World Bank warned that global energy prices could rise by up to 24% in 2026 due to disruption linked to conflict in the Middle East. The assessment highlights the continued vulnerability of global fossil fuel markets to geopolitical instability, with likely knock-on effects for inflation, household bills, industrial costs and food prices. It also reinforces the longer-term case for energy diversification, domestic clean power generation and greater resilience within national energy systems. This reinforces how geopolitical instability continues to expose the vulnerability of fossil fuel-dependent economies and strengthens the long-term case for energy diversification.
Renewables gain momentum as countries respond to energy shock
According to recent Reuters reporting, several countries accelerated solar, wind and hydrogen deployment in response to higher oil and gas prices triggered by renewed geopolitical instability. European countries including Germany, Spain and France have continued to expand solar generation and grid investment to reduce exposure to imported fossil fuels, while countries in Asia and the Middle East are also increasing investment in renewables and hydrogen as part of wider energy security strategies. Reuters also reported that countries with higher renewable generation were better insulated from sharp rises in electricity prices during the recent energy shock, highlighting how clean power can strengthen economic stability as well as reduce emissions.
This highlights how energy security and climate action are increasingly aligned rather than competing objectives.
Global summit launched on phasing out fossil fuels
More than 50 countries met in Colombia for the first international summit focused specifically on phasing out fossil fuels. The conference was convened by the Colombian government, alongside partner countries seeking to build momentum for a managed global transition away from coal, oil and gas following commitments made at recent UN climate summits. Discussions focused on practical pathways to reduce fossil fuel dependence, support clean energy investment, manage economic transition risks and strengthen cooperation between developed and developing economies.
Alongside the summit in Colombia, a new international expert panel was launched to help countries design credible pathways away from coal, oil and gas. The panel is expected to bring together economists, climate scientists, energy system experts, former policymakers and representatives from international organisations to advise on issues such as just transition planning, energy security, fiscal reform and scaling clean energy alternatives.
Extreme heat threatens food systems
A joint report from the Food and Agriculture Organisation and World Meteorological Organisation warned that extreme heat is placing global food systems under severe pressure. This includes reduced crop yields, livestock stress and mortality, declining dairy productivity, increased irrigation demand, disruption to fisheries and aquaculture, soil degradation, and higher risks of pests and crop disease.
This is a clear reminder that climate adaptation and food resilience are becoming urgent global priorities.
Debate grows over climate finance and development lending
International debate intensified over the future of climate finance through institutions such as the World Bank. Reuters reported growing disagreement over whether development finance should prioritise traditional growth models or maintain climate-focused investment targets.
This underlines the importance of aligning development, resilience and decarbonisation rather than treating them separately.
English Devolution Act receives Royal Assent
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act received Royal Assent in April, marking a significant step in the government’s agenda to decentralise decision-making and strengthen local governance. The legislation introduces a new statutory framework for devolution, including the creation of ‘Strategic Authorities’ with elected Mayors who will hold expanded powers over transport, planning, housing and economic regeneration. It also includes a range of measures aimed at empowering communities and improving local oversight, such as a new Community Right to Buy for valued local assets, enhanced transport enforcement powers, and the establishment of Local Scrutiny Committees and a Local Audit Office. While not directly focused on environmental policy, the Act is likely to have important implications for how sustainability priorities—such as net zero delivery, infrastructure planning and climate resilience—are implemented at a regional and local level, reflecting the growing importance of place-based approaches to policy delivery.
ISEP joins Defra Development Industry Partnership
A significant development for ISEP this month was its participation in the first meeting of Defra’s new Development Industry Partnership, a forum bringing together government and industry to explore how growth can be unlocked while achieving better environmental outcomes. The inaugural meeting was attended by Environment Minister Mary Creagh alongside representatives from organisations including the Institution of Civil Engineers, National Grid, Network Rail, Energy UK and others across the development and infrastructure sector.
This is an important recognition of the role environmental professionals play in shaping practical solutions that support both sustainable growth and environmental protection. It also creates a valuable opportunity to influence future regulatory reform, planning policy and delivery frameworks by ensuring professional standards, evidence-based decision-making and systems thinking are embedded in how growth is delivered.
Breaking the link between gas and electricity prices
The government announced a package of reforms aimed at reducing the influence of volatile gas prices on household and business electricity bills. Measures include expanding the use of long-term fixed-price Contracts for Difference for renewable generators, helping to provide more stable lower-cost power when gas prices spike, and changes to the Electricity Generator Levy, with the rate increasing from 45% to 55% and its duration extended. The government also linked the reforms to wider plans to accelerate clean, homegrown energy generation and market reform. Together, the measures are intended to strengthen energy security, reduce exposure to international fossil fuel shocks and create a more resilient electricity pricing system over time.
Dame Helen Ghosh named preferred Chair of the Office for Environmental Protection
Dame Helen Ghosh has been named as the preferred candidate to succeed Dame Glenys Stacey as Chair of the Office for Environmental Protection following a formal appointments process. During her pre-appointment hearing with the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee and the Environmental Audit Committee, Dame Helen emphasised the importance of maintaining the OEP’s independence, strengthening public confidence in environmental governance, and focusing on effective implementation rather than policy ambition alone. She also highlighted the need for constructive engagement with government while retaining the ability to hold public bodies to account where progress falls short. Her appointment comes at an important time as scrutiny intensifies over delivery of nature recovery, environmental targets and climate adaptation.
Faster approvals for clean energy projects
The government announced streamlined planning and regulatory approvals for major clean energy schemes, including Sizewell C and Lighthouse Green Fuels. As part of this approach, the Environment Agency has been appointed as the Lead Environmental Regulator for these projects, coordinating joined-up advice across regulatory bodies and helping to reduce duplication, delays and conflicting requirements during the approvals process. The reforms are intended to accelerate delivery of nationally significant infrastructure while maintaining environmental protections, reflecting a wider shift towards more efficient and outcome-focused regulation.
Biodiversity Net Gain consultation on brownfield exemptions
Government launched a consultation on whether certain brownfield residential developments should receive targeted exemptions from Biodiversity Net Gain requirements.
For ISEP, it is vital that reforms are informed by evidence and seek to maximise opportunities to restore nature while delivering on housing and infrastructure. As biodiversity regulation evolves, professional expertise will be critical in ensuring development and nature recovery objectives are balanced effectively as highlighted in Lesley Wilson’s paper on Nature as Critical Infrastructure. ISEP will also be responding to this consultation.
Clean energy expansion across the UK
Clean energy infrastructure continued to advance across the UK during April. In Wales, low-carbon heat networks are being expanded to help reduce energy bills and reliance on fossil fuels, while supporting local job creation and more resilient heating systems. Meanwhile, the 800 MW Springwell Solar received approval, becoming the UK’s largest power-producing solar farm. Together, these developments reflect continued progress in scaling both local heat decarbonisation and large-scale renewable electricity generation as part of the wider clean energy transition.
Ofgem reforms to strengthen consumer protection
The government announced reforms to Ofgem aimed at strengthening protections for energy consumers and improving trust in the retail market. The changes include faster and more effective redress for households let down by their supplier, stronger expectations on company leadership to act in consumers’ interests, and a wider review of regulatory powers and accountability. The reforms are intended to ensure the regulator is better equipped to respond to market failures, protect billpayers and support a fairer energy transition.
This reinforces the principle that sustainability transitions must also be fair and trusted. Good governance, transparency and consumer confidence will remain essential components of long-term environmental progress.
Parliamentary scrutiny intensifies
The Environmental Audit Committee launched a new inquiry into the role of HM Treasury in climate and environmental policy. Meanwhile, the Environment APPG held the first oral evidence session of its climate adaptation inquiry where ISEP’s CEO Sarah Mukherjee MBE gave evidence. During the session, she emphasised the need to treat nature as critical infrastructure and to move from policy ambition towards practical, joined-up delivery of climate resilience across housing, infrastructure and land use systems.
Asim joined ISEP in May 2022 as a Senior Public Affairs Officer. Prior to joining ISEP, Asim worked in a variety of roles for three Members of Parliament and interned for the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. He also holds an MA in Human Rights, Globalisation & Justice
