UK Government launches world-first Climate and Nature Security Taskforce

The UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has convened the inaugural meeting of the National Security and Resilience Risks of a Changing Climate and Nature Loss Taskforce

Published on October 21, 2026, this world-first initiative brings together leading figures across defence, intelligence, climate science, academia, and international diplomacy to evaluate and mitigate the national security threats posed by climate change and ecosystem degradation.

Strategic objectives and scope: Climate and Nature Security Taskforce

Chaired by Minister for Climate Transition Katie White OBE MP alongside Cabinet Office Minister Baroness Fiona Twycross, the independent taskforce is charged with translating scientific and geopolitical risk data into actionable policy recommendations.

The panel focuses on several core mandates:

• Risk prioritisation:

  • Identifying critical capability gaps and prioritising systemic risks—including food and energy supply chain disruptions, climate-driven migration, financial instability, and infrastructure vulnerability.

• Government strategy challenge:

  • Reviewing and challenging existing UK defense, resilience, and civil contingency frameworks in light of compounding global climate shocks and biodiversity loss.

• International leadership:

  • Developing recommendations to enhance the UK’s strategic influence, international partnerships, and global climate diplomacy.

Leadership and expert panel composition

The taskforce combines strategic military expertise with academic and policy leadership. Key panel members include:

• General Richard Nugee:

  • Former Non-Executive Director for Climate Change and Sustainability at the Ministry of Defence.

• Comfort Ero:

  • President and CEO of the International Crisis Group.

• Erin Sikorsky:

  • Director at the Center for Climate and Security.

• Rosie Hails:

  • Director of Science and Nature at the National Trust.

• Nicola Ranger:

  • Executive Director of Earth Capital Nexus and Professor in Practice at the London School of Economics (LSE).

Context and operational deliverables

The launch follows a year of severe environmental pressures across the UK, marked by record summer heatwaves, localised drought, wildfires, and heightened flood risks.

The taskforce will convene both in-person and virtual sessions through late 2026 to deliver a formal gap analysis and a series of strategic recommendations aimed at hardening national infrastructure and civil resilience against future environmental shocks.

Policy details

• Issuing Bodies: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) & Cabinet Office
• Co-Chairs: Katie White OBE MP (Minister for Climate Transition) & Baroness Fiona Twycross (Parliamentary Under Secretary)
• Formal Title: National Security and Resilience Risks of a Changing Climate and Nature Loss Taskforce
• Publication Date: 21 October 2026