The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has announced the release of “ISO 14092:2026 – Climate Change Adaptation,” a new international standard designed to assist organisations, including local governments and communities, in designing, implementing, and monitoring climate adaptation plans.
According to ISO, the introduction of this new standard comes as many organisations have adopted climate adaptation strategies; however, the implementation remains fragmented and under-resourced. Access to adaptation finance increasingly necessitates clear, evidence-based planning processes supported by transparent governance.
To address these challenges, the new standard offers practical guidance for planning climate change adaptation at the local level. It provides a structured framework to help organisations define governance and responsibilities, effectively engage stakeholders, assess and prioritise climate risks, design and implement adaptation strategies, and improve plans over time.
Key elements of the new standard include guidance for local governments and communities on preparing for climate change threats such as floods, heatwaves, droughts, coastal erosion, and other impacts. It also describes the process of developing an adaptation plan, including setting an appropriate governance structure, establishing a facilitation team, assessing risks, developing an effective plan, monitoring adaptation implementation progress, and evaluating achievements to improve the plan.
In a statement announcing the new standard, ISO highlighted: “At COP30, governments reaffirmed the urgency of scaling up adaptation and strengthening climate-resilient planning. For local leaders, policymakers, and communities seeking a clear, credible framework for adaptation, the standard provides the practical pathway from ambition to action.”
To access the new climate adaptation standard, visit the ISO website.
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