At this year’s National Civils Show at Excel, London on 25th & 26th November, business leaders will urge Government and all political parties to wake up to the very real impacts of our changing environment and unite around resilience and adaptation in order to achieve energy security and economic prosperity.
The urgency of this challenge has been brought sharply into focus in recent days. For the first time, millions of people across England and Wales received a Government Emergency Alert on their mobile phones warning of the severe wildfire risk facing the country, highlighting the extent to which climate-related threats are now directly affecting communities and public safety.
At the same time, the UK has experienced one of its most extreme summers on record, with prolonged periods of exceptional heat and drought. The nationally recognised weather station at RHS Garden Wisley has reportedly recorded more than 60 consecutive days without measurable rainfall, underlining concerns that this could be the driest and hottest summer ever experienced in parts of the country. These events demonstrate why climate resilience and adaptation can no longer be viewed as future challenges but must instead become immediate national priorities.
The Environmental Industries Association (EIA) Climate Change Working Group, which all other committees of the EIA feed into and which is chaired by former Environment Minister Rebecca Pow, met on 3 August 2026 and agreed that the UK must move beyond fragmented climate policymaking towards a comprehensive national strategy centred on Climate Resilience.
Bringing together leaders from across the environmental, water, energy, building, health and infrastructure sectors, the Working Group concluded that climate change can no longer be treated as a stand-alone environmental issue. Instead it has a fundamental impact on overall economic stability through its effect on energy security, water resilience, healthy buildings, food security, infrastructure and public health.
The EIA Climate Change Working Group concluded that climate resilience should be understood as the UK's ability to keep its economy, infrastructure, energy systems, water resources and communities functioning in the face of climate change and global shocks.
The Group agreed that resilience should not be presented as an alternative to Net Zero, but rather as the means through which the UK delivers a more secure, affordable and prosperous transition.
The Group reaffirmed its support for the UK's legally binding Net Zero 2050 target, which business leaders described as setting a marker to drive action. Critically industry had a special call for a stronger focus on resilience and adaptation necessary to deliver security that will make the transition more durable politically and more meaningful to households, communities and businesses.
The discussion was informed by the EIA's recent Climate Resilience Position Paper and policy recommendations to Government, which set out a framework for embedding resilience across national policy, infrastructure planning and investment.
Rebecca Pow, Chair of the EIA Climate Change Working Group and former Minister for Nature and the Environment, said: "Climate change is no longer a future challenge. It is already affecting our economy, our water supplies, our homes, our food systems and our national resilience. Businesses engaged across the environmental sector are clear that adaptation and mitigation must now be treated with equal urgency."
Pow went on to say: "The EIA's position is straightforward. Climate resilience complements Net Zero, it does not replace it. If we want to maintain public support and political consensus, we must show how climate action strengthens energy security, protects communities, supports economic growth and improves people's everyday lives."
She added: "This is not simply an environmental agenda. It is an agenda for national security, economic resilience and public wellbeing."
The Working Group agreed that climate resilience should be an area where there is scope for constructive engagement across the political spectrum. This should not be turned into a political football.
The EIA believes that different political parties are increasingly arriving at similar consensus, even when their proposed solutions differ and this consensus needs to be conveyed and interpreted into action. The Committee discussed the positions being taken by current political parties.
Rebecca Pow says: "Climate resilience should not be a partisan issue. Whether viewed through the lens of growth, security, sovereignty, affordability, environmental protection or public health, the objective is the same: building a Britain that is better prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the coming decades. We owe it to future generations to address this and urgently. "
The National Civils Show offers a multitude of benefits for businesses.
It provides a powerful platform for networking, whilst fostering invaluable connections with industry peers, potential clients and partners.
Over 4,000 qualified visitors will have access to 8,000 sq. m. of products, services and solutions, across 200 exhibitors, with access to 50 free CPD accredited presentations, alongside demos and special features.
This event enables proven, direct engagement with a targeted audience, showcasing products and services first-hand, leading to immediate feedback and potential sales opportunities.
Moreover, the National Civils Show serves as an annual hub for staying updated with industry trends, opinions and insights while generating new business opportunities, making it an indispensable avenue to growth and widening your landscape.
