May 2026 sustainability update: Nature recovery, clean energy and climate resilience

Internationally, the conflict involving Iran and continued volatility in global energy markets reinforced the importance of secure and resilient energy systems, helping to accelerate investment in renewable energy and energy security measures. The first international summit focused on transitioning away from fossil fuels also demonstrated growing momentum behind the global energy transition, while severe early-season heat across parts of Europe highlighted the increasing need for climate adaptation alongside decarbonisation. 

Across the UK, there was growing focus on preparing for climate risks, strengthening environmental governance and accelerating delivery of nature recovery and clean energy projects. The publication of the Climate Change Committee's latest climate risk assessment warned that the UK is not adequately prepared for the impacts of climate change, while investment in habitat restoration, plans for a new national forest and Defra's campaign encouraging businesses to consider nature-related risks reflected increasing recognition of nature's role in supporting long-term resilience and economic prosperity. Continued growth in solar deployment, reforms to support offshore wind development and investment in low-carbon heating projects also demonstrated ongoing progress towards delivering the clean energy transition. 

Together, these developments suggest that environmental issues are increasingly being viewed not as standalone policy challenges, but as central to wider discussions around economic competitiveness, public resilience, energy security and national wellbeing. 

This month's developments point to three clear emerging themes: 

1. Nature recovery acceleration  

From habitat restoration funding and plans for a new national forest, to growing recognition of nature-related financial risks and ecosystem resilience, several developments highlighted the role of nature in supporting environmental, economic and community resilience. 

2. Clean energy deployment continues to accelerate 

Government reforms to offshore wind development, record levels of solar deployment, investment in low-carbon heating systems and growing international momentum behind renewable energy all point to a continued shift from target-setting towards implementation and delivery. 

3. Resilience and environmental governance are moving up the agenda 

The publication of the Climate Change Committee's latest climate risk assessment, a new Energy Sector Cyber Security Strategy, increased attention on drought resilience and Defra's work with business leaders and His Majesty The King to promote nature-related decision-making all point to growing focus on the institutions, leadership and governance needed to prepare for future environmental challenges.

International News 

Global momentum grows behind fossil fuel transition 

One of the most significant international developments during May was the continued momentum following the first international summit focused specifically on transitioning away from fossil fuels, held in Santa Marta, Colombia. The conference brought together 57 countries representing around one-third of the global economy to explore practical pathways for reducing dependence on coal, oil and gas.  

Outcomes included plans for voluntary national transition roadmaps, new approaches to addressing fossil fuel subsidies and exploration of fossil fuel-free trade system. The summit also saw the launch of a new international science panel to support governments developing transition strategies, named the science panel for global energy transition.  

The discussions reinforce that the global transition is increasingly moving towards practical questions around implementation, economic restructuring and long-term resilience.  

Energy security continues to accelerate the clean energy transition 

The conflict involving Iran and continued disruption to global energy markets remained a major influence on international energy policy throughout May. Governments across Europe, Asia and elsewhere continued to expand renewable energy deployment and strengthen domestic energy resilience in response to volatility in oil and gas markets. Reuters reported growing evidence that geopolitical instability is accelerating investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency and electrification as countries seek to reduce exposure to imported fossil fuels.  

This reflects a growing trend where climate action and energy security are increasingly aligned rather than competing priorities. It highlights how environmental policy is becoming more closely integrated with wider economic and strategic decision-making. 

Renewable energy reaches new economic milestone 

A report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) found that solar and wind power, when combined with battery storage, are becoming increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuel generation in many markets. This means renewable energy can now provide reliable electricity at a similar or lower cost than fossil fuels in a growing number of countries. 

The findings highlight how falling technology and storage costs are strengthening the business case for renewable energy, helping to drive investment and deployment alongside climate and energy security goals. 

Extreme heat highlights growing climate adaptation challenge 

Large parts of Europe experienced unusually severe early-season heat during May, with temperature records broken across several countries. The UN described the heatwave as a stark reminder of the accelerating impacts of climate change, while scientists warned that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense due to global warming. The events underline the growing importance of climate adaptation alongside decarbonisation.  

Global debate intensifies over climate policy and industrial competitiveness 

Across Europe and other major economies, discussions continued around how climate policies can be balanced with industrial competitiveness and economic resilience. In the EU, Bulgaria, Czechia, Greece, Poland, Romania and Slovakia called for greater flexibility in the bloc’s carbon pricing system, arguing that high energy costs were placing additional pressure on energy-intensive industries. Italy also continued to raise concerns about the impact of energy prices and carbon costs on industrial competitiveness. Meanwhile, governments including Germany, France and the UK continued to promote clean energy investment to strengthen domestic manufacturing, improve energy security and support long-term economic growth. 

This reflects a broader international shift where environmental policy is increasingly being framed through the lens of economic security, competitiveness and resilience. It highlights the importance of ensuring sustainability remains integrated within long-term industrial and economic strategies. 

Growing concerns over delivery and corporate climate commitments 

Reports have suggested some major global companies are slowing or reassessing parts of their decarbonisation strategies amid economic pressures, higher costs and ongoing uncertainty in global energy markets. Rising energy prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including the conflict involving Iran, have added to concerns about investment costs and energy security. Companies have also continued to face supply chain challenges, including shortages of critical minerals and delays in securing components needed for renewable energy and low-carbon technologies. At the same time, investor scrutiny of climate commitments and transition plans continued to increase. 

This highlights the importance of credible, evidence-based transition planning and the role environmental professionals play in helping organisations translate climate ambitions into practical, deliverable outcomes. 

United Kingdom 

CCC warns UK is not prepared for growing climate risks 

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) published its Fourth Independent Assessment of UK Climate Risk, warning that the UK is not adequately prepared for the impacts of climate change. The report says that rising temperatures, more frequent heatwaves, flooding, droughts and wildfires are already affecting communities, infrastructure and businesses across the country, and that these risks are expected to increase over the coming decades. 

The CCC identifies extreme heat, flooding and water shortages as some of the most urgent risks facing the UK. It argues that greater investment is needed in measures such as flood defences, water infrastructure, cooling for homes and public buildings, and nature restoration to help communities adapt to a changing climate. 

The report also highlights the economic case for adaptation, estimating that around £11 billion a year of investment could help avoid much larger costs from climate-related damage and disruption in the future. The CCC says adaptation should be treated as a core part of national resilience and given the same level of attention as other long-term security challenges. 

Businesses Encouraged to Put Nature on the Boardroom Agenda 

Defra launched new resources designed to help businesses better understand nature-related risks and opportunities. The resources include a short film featuring His Majesty and Sir David Attenborough, alongside a Boardroom Briefing on Nature tailored for Chairs and Non-Executive Directors outlining the scale of the opportunity, and a suite of cross-economy business case studies demonstrating where nature action has delivered material and financial benefits for business performance. The initiative encourages organisations to consider natural capital, biodiversity and ecosystem resilience within strategic decision-making and corporate governance. ISEP helped support the creation of these materials alongside the Council for Sustainable Business, Aldersgate Group and Green Finance Institute.  

ISEP’s Director of Policy and Public Affairs, Signe Norberg, attended the discussion where His Majesty The King joined a meeting with the Environment Secretary, Prime Minister’s Chief Advisor on Business, Investment and Trade, senior business leaders and representatives from the Council for Sustainable Business. 

New Centre to Strengthen Plant Health and Protect Green Spaces 

The Government announced £3 million of funding for a new National Centre for Environmental Horticulture and Plant Health, delivered through a partnership between the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). 

The centre will focus on identifying and addressing emerging threats to plants, gardens and green spaces while supporting one of the UK's most important environmental sectors. With over 23 million gardens across the country and horticulture contributing an estimated £38 billion to the economy, the initiative reflects increasing recognition of the importance of plant health to environmental resilience and economic growth.  

Government Strengthens Action Against Waste Crime 

New legislation has been introduced to tackle waste crime through tougher enforcement measures and stronger requirements for waste operators. Waste carriers will face enhanced background checks and will be required to demonstrate appropriate competence before being permitted to transport waste. The reforms form part of the Government's wider Waste Crime Action Plan and seek to address illegal dumping, organised waste crime and environmental harm.  

Offshore Wind Reforms Seek to Balance Growth and Nature Recovery 

New environmental reforms designed to support offshore wind deployment came into force during May. The changes expand the range of environmental compensation measures available to developers while streamlining processes intended to accelerate clean energy infrastructure delivery. Ministers argue the reforms will help achieve Clean Power 2030 ambitions while maintaining protections for marine habitats and biodiversity.  

The reforms illustrate the growing need for environmental professionals who can help balance infrastructure delivery, nature recovery and long-term sustainability objectives through evidence-based decision making. 

Dame Helen Ghosh Confirmed as Chair of the Office for Environmental Protection 

Dame Helen Ghosh has been formally appointed Chair of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), taking up the role from June 2026. Her appointment comes at an important moment for environmental governance, with increasing scrutiny of government progress towards statutory environmental targets, nature recovery commitments and climate adaptation. As the OEP prepares for its next progress report, due to be published in January, attention is likely to focus on whether current policies are sufficient to deliver the Government's environmental ambitions. 

£30 Million Investment for Nature Recovery 

Government announced a £30 million programme to restore wildlife habitats across England's most important landscapes. The funding will support habitat restoration and creation projects in areas including the Lake District, Dartmoor and other protected landscapes. The investment forms part of wider efforts to support the Government's commitment to protect 30% of England's land for nature by 2030.  

Progress Towards a Third National Forest 

The Government has committed up to £7.5 million over five years towards the creation of England's third new national forest. Covering more than 200 square miles, the project forms part of broader ambitions to expand woodland cover, improve access to nature and support climate resilience.  

Solar Power Growth Continues Amid Focus on Energy Security 

The Government highlighted continued growth in solar deployment across the UK, with more than 27,000 installations completed in March 2026 alone – the highest monthly deployment for more than a decade. Total UK solar deployment has now exceeded two million installations across homes, businesses and solar farms. 

Separate figures also showed that 269,000 solar installations were completed during 2025, representing the highest annual deployment on record. Ministers linked this growth to wider efforts to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels following instability in global energy markets. 

Investment in Heat Networks and Low-Carbon Heating 

The Government announced more than £15 million in funding to improve existing heat networks, alongside support for four new low-carbon heating projects across England. The investment aims to reduce energy costs for households, public services and community organisations while supporting wider decarbonisation objectives through the Warm Homes Plan. Heat decarbonisation remains one of the most challenging aspects of the net-zero transition, making continued investment in alternative heating solutions increasingly important.  

New Energy Sector Cyber Security Strategy Published 

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero published a new Energy Sector Cyber Security Strategy, setting out how government, regulators and industry will work together to strengthen resilience across the energy system. 

Developed alongside the National Cyber Security Centre, Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator, the strategy reflects the growing importance of cyber resilience within an increasingly digitalised and decentralised energy network.  

EFRA Committee Launches Inquiry into Upland Farming 

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee in the UK Parliament has launched a call for evidence examining the future of upland farming and land management. It will consider the challenges facing upland communities and explore how environmental objectives can be balanced alongside food production, rural economies and landscape management. This reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of environmental policy, where land use decisions must deliver outcomes for nature, climate, food security and local communities simultaneously. 

House of Lords Calls for Stronger Drought Resilience 

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee published its report Surviving Drought: Reclaim the Rain. 

The report calls for urgent action to improve drought preparedness, increase water storage capacity, reform abstraction licensing and strengthen public engagement around water efficiency. The findings reinforce growing concerns about water security as climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. The report serves as a reminder that climate adaptation must sit alongside decarbonisation as a core component of environmental policy and professional practice.