The Climate Change Committee (CCC) published a climate adaptation progress report in April 2025, the first formal assessment under the UK’s Third National Adaptation Programme (NAP3).
While recent headlines have focused on emissions and Net Zero, this report is a clear reminder that adapting to climate impacts is just as urgent. The CCC’s assessment shows that the UK is falling short, and fast.
“Not a single adaptation outcome was rated ‘good’ on delivery. As extreme weather accelerates, this isn’t just about future risk, it’s already disrupting hospitals, homes, and infrastructure. The UK’s lack of preparedness has become a national operational risk.”
Jose Hopkins, ACA, Senior Sustainability Consultant at Acclaro Advisory
Heat, floods, and fragility: the costs of inaction
The UK is already experiencing the consequences of underinvestment in resilience:
- June 2025 was the hottest on record in England, with multiple nights staying above 20°C.
- The country also saw the wettest 18-month period in history, with widespread flooding of farmland and disruption to transport networks.
- Only 40% of London underground carriages are air-conditioned, and overheating in schools and hospitals is now common.
According to the CCC, these events are just the beginning and without systemic adaptation, physical risks will impact everything from housing and healthcare to productivity and public finance.
Key risks highlighted by the CCC
The report raises several concerns for policymakers and businesses alike:
Inadequate delivery: Progress remains stalled or slow in nearly every sector, from water to infrastructure to health.
Rising vulnerability: Climate risks are outpacing resilience planning, especially in the built environment and critical services.
Lack of measurable targets: Few departments have clear goals, timelines, or metrics to track progress.
Missed opportunities for integration: Adaptation is not yet embedded in planning, investment, or procurement decisions.
Unclear governance roles: Departments and local authorities often lack clarity on who is responsible for delivery and how it will be funded.
A wake-up call for strategy, finance and risk teams
The CCC’s message is unambiguous: adaptation must be treated with the same seriousness as emissions reduction. This means clear objectives, integrated risk management, and measurable targets.
At Acclaro, we support clients in integrating physical climate risks into governance, risk, strategy, and financial planning, in line with evolving regulatory expectations such as the UK’s ISSB-endorsed Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS), UK-CFD, and HM Treasury’s TCFD guidance.
We believe climate resilience isn’t just about preparing for the future, it’s about staying operational today.
Need a hand?
If you’d like support with assessing and integrating climate adaptation or climate-related risks and opportunities into your organisation’s strategy, governance, or reporting, please feel free to get in touch.
