Whitehall is being dragged into the real world as mandatory TCFD-style climate reporting lands across government.
A new NAO report says it could be a powerful tool to expose climate risks but only if ministers stop treating it as box-ticking.
Departments say the framework is already helping them understand where climate shocks could hit budgets and frontline services.
Yet many admit they’re still unclear on what exactly they’re meant to assess.
The NAO flags early wins. Better financial planning, sharper risk management and a clearer picture of cost savings when climate risk is taken seriously.
It also sets out what works. Senior ownership to drive action, cross-functional teams working together instead of in silos and a wider view of physical and transition risks far beyond buildings and boilers.
Capability gaps are a major barrier.
Some bodies don’t have the expertise or data, so the NAO says they must train staff fast or bring in outside specialists.
HM Treasury has offered guidance and support but has no plan for oversight beyond 2026. The NAO warns this could stall progress just as climate impacts intensify.
NAO chief Gareth Davies puts it bluntly. “The emerging climate reporting requirements are helping public bodies assess the risks to service resilience. Our report points to early good practice in maximising the value of this work.”
Climate disclosure can make government more resilient but only if leaders treat the risks as real and urgent, not paperwork to file.
Government needs to get its climate reporting in order appeared first on Energy Live News.