20 May 2026
Growing sustainability skills and training across the economy must be a key part of the Climate Change Committee's (CCC) suggested £11 billion annual investment to adapt the UK to the increased risk from heat, flooding and drought, according to the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals.
In a new report - A Well Adapted UK - the country’s independent climate advisors identify better cooling, flood protection and a more secure water supply as the most critical priorities to protect the UK from the three biggest climate risks.
The CCC say evidence of disruption is already happening today and without action these risks will escalate. By 2050, 92% of homes are likely to overheat, peak river flows will be up to 45% higher and water supply shortfalls could exceed five billion litres per day.
Sarah Mukherjee, CEO of ISEP, said: “We need urgent action to futureproof our economy and protect the public from the impacts of climate change, which are already being felt and will only increase. Action cannot wait – this report is essential reading for businesses that are looking to manage climate risks in the near and long term. Excess heat, for instance, can cause serious impacts on employee health, productivity and could possibly expose employers to future claims of negligence.
"To unlock action at scale, it is essential that we improve skills and capabilities across the economy to respond to a rapidly changing environment, alongside the necessary investments, policies, and regulations. The right expertise will support communities in areas that are needed to transform, such as farming, and it will enable implementation to occur at the rate we desperately need in order to avoid significant impacts.
"ISEP will shortly be publishing guidance on how businesses can manage their climate risks, which will be vital for business leaders and sustainability professionals as they seek to navigate a more volatile future.”
