3 March 2026
Environmental and sustainability policy continues to move from ambition to implementation. February has been marked by record UK clean energy auction results, major new investment in community power and advanced nuclear, and expanded renewable deployment across the public estate — signalling a clear acceleration in delivery and system reform. At the same time, environmental governance remains firmly under scrutiny, with leadership changes at the Office for Environmental Protection and continued Parliamentary oversight of Environmental Improvement Plan delivery.
Internationally, the entry into force of the High Seas Treaty and progress under the Global Biodiversity Framework point to renewed multilateral momentum, though political shifts — including Norway’s decision to scrap its 2030 climate neutrality target — highlight the fragility of near-term climate ambition.
In this month’s update, Asim Ali, ISEP’s Senior Public Affairs Officer, highlights the latest policy developments shaping the UK’s environment and energy priorities, drawing on key international shifts alongside developments from DEFRA, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and ongoing Parliamentary scrutiny. Taken together, several clear themes stand out — particularly the acceleration of clean energy delivery, intensified governance oversight, and evolving international cooperation on climate and biodiversity — which are explored in the key reflections below.
1. Clean energy delivery is accelerating — with scale and system reform now the focus.
Record auction results, major community energy funding, advanced nuclear plans and expanded renewable deployment across the public estate signal a decisive shift from ambition to large-scale implementation. The emphasis is increasingly on unlocking private capital, reforming market structures and embedding clean power across communities and public infrastructure.
2. International cooperation and biodiversity governance are gaining renewed momentum — but political volatility remains a risk.
The entry into force of the High Seas Treaty and progress under the Global Biodiversity Framework demonstrate forward movement in multilateral environmental governance. However, developments such as Norway’s decision to remove its 2030 climate neutrality target underline the fragility of near-term climate commitments in an uncertain geopolitical landscape.
3. Environmental governance and oversight remain under scrutiny.
Leadership changes at the Office for Environmental Protection, continued Parliamentary inquiries, and renewed attention to Environmental Improvement Plan delivery highlight the importance of accountability. The Environmental Audit Committee’s new inquiry into the environmental sustainability of UK data centres — examining their energy demand, risks and implications for net zero and energy security — provides a clear example of how Parliament is scrutinising the delivery impacts of major infrastructure and growth sectors. As policy ambition grows, scrutiny of implementation, compliance and institutional effectiveness is intensifying both domestically and internationally.
Progress on EU biodiversity targets
The European Union’s 7th National Biodiversity Report finds progress toward multiple goals under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework — though faster action is still needed to protect ecosystems that underpin essential services like water, food and climate regulation. The EU is also placing significant emphasis on its new Nature Restoration Regulation, presenting it as a critical mechanism to translate biodiversity targets into concrete, legally binding action across Member States.
IISD report highlights environmental governance trends
The International Institute for Sustainable Development published its annual review of global environmental governance, showing a mix of achievements and setbacks in 2025 as geopolitical tensions and multilateral challenges persisted. A key finding was the widening gap between high-level environmental commitments and implementation on the ground, with financing constraints, political fragmentation and uneven institutional capacity slowing delivery. From a governance perspective, the review underscores the growing importance of credible accountability mechanisms and domestic follow-through if international agreements are to translate into measurable outcomes.
High Seas Treaty enters into force
The High Seas Treaty, negotiated over two decades, has come into force, marking a major milestone in ocean governance. It enables new protected areas and stronger oversight of activities like fishing and shipping, helping support global biodiversity goals.
Norway moves to scrap its 2030 net-zero climate target
The Norwegian parliament voted to remove its 2030 climate neutrality law, raising concerns about weakening near-term climate action and demand for policy tools like carbon markets. The change was driven largely by concerns that the existing target relied heavily on the purchase of international carbon credits rather than domestic emissions reductions, alongside political pressure to align climate policy more closely with Norway’s economic interests — particularly its oil and gas sector. Critics argue the move weakens near-term climate ambition and reduces pressure for accelerated domestic decarbonisation, while supporters contend it creates a more realistic and transparent pathway focused on longer-term targets.
Business & Biodiversity: IPBES Global Assessment on Business and Biodiversity – Manchester Summit
Manchester hosted a major international meeting supported by the UN and the UK Government, bringing together around 1,000 scientists and policymakers from nearly 150 countries to examine the relationship between business and biodiversity. It concluded with the approval of a new Business and Biodiversity Assessment, providing a blueprint to guide private sector action on nature. The UK Government described the outcome as a pivotal step ahead of this year’s Biodiversity COP.
ISEP’s Lesley Wilson attended the conference - you can read her overview of the new IPBES paper on business impacts and dependencies on nature on our website.
Interim Chair appointed to the Office for Environmental Protection
An interim Chair has been appointed to the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP), following Dame Glenys Stacey stepping down as the organisation’s inaugural Chair. Julie Hill has been jointly appointed by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Northern Ireland’s Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
The appointment comes at an important moment for environmental governance, as the OEP continues to scrutinise the delivery of the Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) and broader environmental law compliance. The recruitment process for a permanent Chair is ongoing, meaning the organisation remains in a period of transition as it carries out its statutory oversight functions.
Forestry England to enable more renewable energy across the public estate
New powers will allow England’s largest land manager to facilitate additional renewable energy projects across the public forest estate. This move is expected to support greater domestic clean energy generation and contribute to energy security.
Advanced Nuclear Framework
The Government has published a new Advanced Nuclear Framework aimed at accelerating deployment of next-generation nuclear technologies. The strategy seeks to unlock private investment, support economic growth, and contribute to what ministers describe as a new “nuclear golden age.”
Clean Energy & Workers’ Rights
Offshore wind developers will now be required to sign a Fair Work Charter in order to participate in government renewables auctions. The policy links public clean energy funding to strengthened workers’ rights and trade union access, embedding labour standards within the energy transition.
Public Sector Energy Efficiency
£74 million has been allocated for clean energy upgrades across hospitals and military sites, including solar panels, heat pumps and efficiency improvements. A portion of the funding will be delivered in partnership with Great British Energy.
Community Energy Investment
The Government has announced up to £1 billion in funding for community and locally owned energy projects - the largest public investment in community energy to date. The initiative aims to reduce bills, strengthen local economies and support the “Pride in Place” agenda.
Record Clean Energy Auction
The UK has delivered its largest ever clean energy auction, securing record levels of solar, onshore wind and tidal capacity. Together with recent offshore wind awards, this amounts to 14.7 GW of clean power — enough to supply the equivalent of 16 million homes.
Energy Bills – What’s Changing from April
From April, billpayers are expected to benefit from an average £150 reduction in energy costs. The reduction will be achieved by ending funding for the Energy Company Obligation and reducing Renewables Obligation costs on bills.
Strategic Policy Developments
The Government’s Local Power Plan outlines how up to £1 billion will support the expansion of local and community-owned clean energy, alongside regulatory reform and improved business models.
UK–California Climate & Energy Agreement
A Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2026 strengthens cooperation between the UK and California on clean energy, climate resilience, carbon management and transport decarbonisation.
UK–China Clean Energy Partnership
New MoUs between the UK and China aim to enhance collaboration on renewables, grid modernisation and clean technologies, while safeguarding national security.
Call for Evidence – Downstream Oil Sector
The Government has launched a call for evidence on the future of the UK downstream oil sector, seeking views on how the sector can support economic growth, energy security and the wider energy transition. The consultation closes on 20 April 2026.
Flood resilience and inquiry into data centres: Environmental Audit Committee
The Environmental Audit Committee has published correspondence from the Environment Secretary in response to its report on flood resilience.
The Committee has also launched a new inquiry into the environmental sustainability of UK data centres, examining both risks and opportunities. Energy demand from data centres remains uncertain, and MPs will consider implications for net zero and energy security.
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
