Building a more resilient UK: our investment in climate adaptation

When we talk about climate change, the conversation often focuses on reducing emissions and reaching net zero. That work remains essential. But there is another side of the story that deserves just as much attention: adapting to the climate change we are already experiencing and will continue to feel for decades to come, regardless of our efforts on net zero. 

Across the UK, we are already seeing its impacts through hotter summers, more intense rainfall, flooding, drought, pressure on water resources, and disruption to services and infrastructure. As we continue to reduce emissions and accelerate towards net zero, we must also adapt to the impacts of a changing climate that are already locked in.  

That’s why today, as part of the Climate and Nature moment, we've announced that the Government is investing up to £30 million to strengthen the evidence base needed for climate adaptation across the UK. In this post, I’ll delve into why this is needed. 

Setting ambition  

To deliver the transformative action across the whole of society and the economy that we know is needed, we need to set a clear goal for the UK’s resilience to climate change. 

With that in mind, the Government has committed to setting stronger measurable adaptation objectives through the Fourth National Adaptation Programme (NAP4), due in 2028. This will set out the actions government and its partners will take to improve the UK’s resilience to climate change out to 2033. To inform these objectives, we are planning on the basis of a minimum of 2°C of warming by 2050 across the whole of government, ensuring we are aligned on the kinds of impacts we expect to see across all sectors. These objectives will be achieved by setting clear delivery plans across government. 

Achieving that ambition will depend on collaboration across government, businesses and industry, civil society, academia, infrastructure operators and local communities. But it will also depend on having the right evidence available to support decision-making. 

Investing in the evidence we need 

Investing in adaptation evidence is an investment in resilience. It helps us move from recognising climate risks to taking informed action. It ensures that decisions made today are backed by the best available knowledge. 

As we continue to face a changing climate, evidence will remain one of our most valuable tools. Not only for understanding what lies ahead, but for helping us build a safer, more resilient future for people, nature and the economy. 

To help address these challenges, the Government is investing up to £30 million to strengthen the evidence base needed for climate adaptation across the UK. This includes £13 million for the Met Office to develop the next generation of UK climate information, projections and tools, alongside £17 million for a What Works Centre for Climate Adaptation. 

The Met Office investment will support more advanced climate information and projections, helping decision-makers better understand future climate impacts. Meanwhile, the What Works Centre will focus on the practical side of adaptation, building evidence on which interventions work, for whom, and under what circumstances. 

Underlining this commitment to improving the basis for adaptation action, following the publication of the Climate Adaptation Research and Innovation Framework (CARIF) in April 2025, the Government Office for Science has published a Research and Innovation inventory to spotlight the Government's investment in climate adaptation. Bringing together programmes funded across the current Spending Review period, it provides a comprehensive picture of the research, innovation and evidence helping the UK prepare for the impacts of a changing climate. 

This is all about giving organisations the confidence to make informed decisions. Whether it is designing flood-resilient communities, protecting water supplies, helping businesses manage heat risks or ensuring critical infrastructure can withstand future weather extremes, stronger evidence leads to better outcomes. 

Why this matters for local communities 

Local government has a critical role to play in building resilience to climate change. By improving access to climate information and providing tailored support, local authorities can make better decisions about transport networks, housing, water management, public services and economic development.  

That is why we are providing £3 million in support for Combined Authorities and their partners to strengthen climate resilience. This will help local leaders assess climate risks, develop adaptation plans and work with councils and stakeholders to prepare for future challenges.  

Defra has recently established a new Local Climate Adaptation Leaders Forum, bringing together senior representatives from government departments, Combined Authorities and local government organisations. This Forum will meet four times a year, providing a vital voice for local and regional authorities to engage with and shape government’s approach to tackling the impacts of climate change. 

Whether it is policymakers making investment decisions, businesses planning for future climate impacts, infrastructure operators assessing resilience, or local authorities developing adaptation strategies, better evidence will help everyone make more informed choices. 

Looking ahead to a more resilient future 

Adaptation is often described as preparing for the future. It is about responding to the changes we are already seeing while making smart decisions for the decades ahead.

Investing in better climate evidence is therefore an investment in resilience, helping government, businesses and communities make informed choices, target resources effectively and build a country that is ready for the challenges of a changing climate.  

Today’s announcement is clear; we are supporting the move from understanding climate risks to enabling action.