March Policy Insights: Balancing Energy Security with Climate Ambition

The conflict also highlights the environmental consequences of geopolitical instability, from risks to critical infrastructure and ecosystems to increased emissions linked to energy disruption and military activity. At the same time, it is placing additional strain on global cooperation and climate finance, potentially slowing progress in key areas of international climate and sustainability action - for example, through reduced funding for climate initiatives in developing countries and increased reliance on fossil fuels to secure short-term energy supply. 

Despite these challenges, progress on environmental policy continues, with many governments advancing clean energy, nature recovery and resilience agendas. This reflects both the long-term risks of inaction and the economic opportunities associated with the transition. However, delivery is becoming more complex, with trade-offs between growth, security and sustainability becoming more pronounced - for example, the need to prioritise short-term energy security through increased fossil fuel use, while still meeting long-term net zero targets, and balancing infrastructure development with the protection of nature and biodiversity. 

In this context, recent developments across the UK and internationally point to several emerging themes — particularly the acceleration of implementation, increased focus on resilience and adaptation, and the need for more integrated approaches to climate, nature and economic policy. 

Three key takeaways this month: 

Policy is shifting from process to outcomes — with implications for impact assessment and delivery. 

The government’s “regulation reset” signals faster, more flexible decision-making, with greater emphasis on achieving environmental outcomes rather than procedural compliance. This increases pressure to deliver robust, integrated impact assessments within shorter timeframes, while ensuring climate and nature considerations are embedded early. 

Climate adaptation and resilience are becoming more acute. 

Major investment in flood defences and the use of nature-based solutions highlight the growing importance of adaptation alongside mitigation. This reflects a more integrated approach to managing climate risks and the need for long-term, cross-sector resilience planning. 

Resource management and circular economy principles are gaining traction — supported by stronger enforcement. 

New measures on waste crime and simpler recycling rules point to a stronger focus on resource efficiency and system integrity. Together, these developments support progress towards a more circular economy and underline the importance of aligning policy, regulation and behaviour change. 

International news 

Biodiversity reporting in the energy transition 

A recent IUCN report on biodiversity reporting in the renewable energy transition highlights the need for clearer and more consistent approaches to measuring and managing biodiversity impacts as clean energy deployment accelerates. This reflects a broader trend towards embedding nature considerations within energy and infrastructure systems.

Biodiversity finance and 30x30 targets 

Efforts to mobilise finance are increasing, with initiatives such as a Caribbean biodiversity finance programme aiming to secure funding to meet global “30x30” targets. This includes investment in protected areas, ecosystem restoration and conservation projects, as well as strengthening local capacity for biodiversity management. 

Emerging biodiversity markets 

Countries are beginning to explore new market-based mechanisms to support nature recovery. Japan, for example, is developing biodiversity credit systems to help quantify and incentivise conservation outcomes. 

Global climate policy and adaptation focus 

The OECD’s Global Forum on the Environment and Climate Change in March 2026 focused on implementation of the Paris Agreement, adaptation goals and progress following the global stocktake. Discussions highlighted the need to accelerate delivery of climate commitments, particularly on adaptation, and to strengthen policy coordination and financing to close the gap between targets and implementation. 

High Seas Treaty enters into force 

The UN High Seas Treaty has entered into force, establishing a framework to protect biodiversity in international waters and enabling the creation of marine protected areas across vast ocean areas. 

Financing the transition to nature-positive economies 

The UNEP State of Finance for Nature report highlights a substantial imbalance between investment in nature-positive activities and financing that continues to drive environmental degradation.

The report finds that for every dollar invested in protecting nature, US$30 are spent destroying it. To meet global biodiversity targets and commitments,  investment must increase 2.5 times to US$571 billion annually by 2030—equivalent to just 0.5 per cent of global GDP. 

Climate finance and geopolitical pressures 

Recent reporting highlights concerns around reductions in climate finance and the implications for global climate commitments, alongside broader challenges to international cooperation. 

United Kingdom 

Faster planning for homes, infrastructure and clean energy 

A major “regulation reset” is set to streamline planning approvals for housing, transport and clean energy projects. New Strategic Policy Statements will direct Natural England and the Environment Agency to prioritise outcomes over process, helping to speed up decisions while maintaining environmental standards. 

This shift will be supported by £100 million over three years, funding additional expertise and digital systems to improve the speed and accuracy of environmental assessments and reduce delays for developers. 

For ISEP, this shift towards outcome-focused regulation highlights the growing importance of strong environmental professional standards. As regulatory processes are streamlined, there will be increased reliance on competent practitioners to ensure environmental protections are upheld in practice, reinforcing the role of professional accreditation and ethical standards. 

Record investment in flood protection 

The government has committed £1.4 billion to flood defences, including £830 million for 2026/27. More than 600 projects will be delivered, ranging from upgraded flood barriers to nature-based solutions that slow water flow. These measures aim to better protect tens of thousands of homes and businesses across England. 

Tougher action on waste crime 

A new zero-tolerance approach to waste crime will give Environment Agency officers stronger enforcement powers, similar to those used by police. The reforms will expand powers under existing legislation to enable earlier intervention and increase prosecutions, alongside a broader Waste Crime Action Plan focused on prevention, enforcement, and clean-up. 

A new framework for land use 

England’s first Land Use Framework sets out how land can be used more efficiently to deliver multiple priorities, including housing development, nature restoration, clean energy infrastructure and food security. The framework emphasises that better land management can support growth while enhancing environmental outcomes. 

This integrated approach closely reflects ISEP’s systems-thinking perspective, where environmental, social and economic factors must be considered together. It also presents opportunities for ISEP to contribute expertise on sustainable land use, natural capital and long-term planning. 

Boosting sustainable farming and food systems 

A new Farming and Food Partnership Board brings together government and industry leaders to drive productivity and growth in British agriculture. The initiative signals a more coordinated approach to improving profitability while supporting sustainable food production. 

Simpler recycling rules 

New nationwide recycling rules aim to eliminate confusion over waste sorting. The reforms introduce consistent collection systems across England, making it easier for households to recycle correctly and improving overall efficiency. 

Support for low-income households 

Reforms to the WaterSure scheme, the biggest in nearly 30 years, will reduce water bills for around 300,000 low-income households. The scheme caps bills for eligible households with high water use, including families and those with certain medical conditions. 

Energy security and clean power push 

The government has outlined plans to move further and faster towards energy security. These include expanding clean, homegrown energy, introducing plug-in solar panels for households, requiring most new homes to include solar panels, and exploring discounted electricity in high wind generation areas. These measures aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while lowering energy costs. 

This reinforces ISEP’s focus on the transition to net zero and the role of environmental professionals in delivering clean energy solutions. The emphasis on decentralised energy and new technologies also highlights the need for upskilling and professional development across the sector. 

Trade and growth opportunities 

Businesses are being encouraged to prepare for a new UK–EU agri-food agreement, expected to reduce red tape, lower costs and improve trade flows. The deal is positioned as a key step in strengthening the UK’s largest trading relationship. 

Leadership changes 

Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, has announced her intention to retire following a long career in environmental conservation and nature restoration. A successor is expected to be appointed in 2026. Prior to this announcement, Marian held a roundtable with ISEP on nature recovery.  

Jonathan Brearley has also been appointed as the new Permanent Secretary at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. 

Parliamentary scrutiny 

Recent scrutiny from the Environmental Audit Committee highlights ongoing tensions between growth and sustainability. MPs have stressed that fairness must underpin the UK’s Seventh Carbon Budget, warning that uneven impacts could undermine public support. 

The EFRA Committee has also launched a new inquiry into land use and nature, reflecting growing attention on how competing demands for land are managed. This scrutiny aligns with ISEP’s emphasis on just transition and evidence-based policy.