ISEP's responds to UK government's 5th round of climate adaptation reporting

21 May 2026

Climate adaptation reporting must become more than a compliance exercise. That is the central message from ISEP’s response to the UK Government consultation on the Fifth Adaptation Reporting Power (ARP5) framework.

The consultation, which closed on the same day as the Climate Change Committee published its Fourth Independent Assessment of UK Climate Risk, asked respondents to provide their views on a further expansion of the ARP scheme, which requires organisations in nationally-critical sectors to report on their progress in adapting to climate change.

ISEP broadly supports the proposed direction of ARP5, particularly the increased emphasis on improving the quality, consistency and practical value of reporting across sectors. However, adaptation reporting will only deliver meaningful resilience if it informs real-world organisational decision-making - from infrastructure investment and governance to financial planning and risk management.

A key concern raised in the response is duplication across climate reporting frameworks. Many organisations already report against frameworks such as Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures and International Sustainability Standards Board, alongside sector regulatory requirements overseen by bodies including Ofgem, Ofwat and Office of Rail and Road.

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While these frameworks often rely on the same underlying climate science, differing terminology and structures create unnecessary administrative burdens. ISEP is calling for clearer alignment and mapping guidance to help organisations reuse existing work rather than duplicate effort.

The response also reiterates ISEP’s long-standing view that adaptation reporting should ultimately be mandatory. Mandatory reporting helps create a level playing field, secures organisational buy-in, and ensures climate adaptation is treated as a strategic priority rather than an optional activity.

ISEP additionally supports expanding ARP5 reporting to strategic authorities, strengthening sector-specific guidance, improving treatment of interdependencies and systemic risks, and increasing the use of individual reporting for major infrastructure operators.

Ultimately, ARP5 should strengthen implementation of adaptation measures - not simply generate more reports.

Strategy for the 5th round of climate adaptation reporting: Consultation response


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Chloë Fiddy

Senior Policy and Engagement Lead

Chloë is the Senior Policy and Engagement Lead for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation at ISEP. Within this remit she works on policy advocacy and practice guidance projects relating to sustainability disclosures, particularly the aspects of emissions reporting, adaptive capacity, and risk and transition planning. Chloë is also a District Councillor and chairs the council’s Audit and Standards Committee. Previously she has worked at senior levels in the manufacturing and retail sectors, in climate and sustainable development planning roles in the public sector, and has served for a number of years as a charity trustee.