A CDP report comprising of local authorities representing over half of the UK’s population, emissions and GDP shows that 96 per cent of local authorities have climate action plans, leaping from 58 per cent in 2018.

The report, From disclosure to action: Strengthening climate and economic resilience in UK communities, is based on the responses of 104 local authorities that disclosed their climate data through CDP-ICLEI Track in 2024, a rise of 52 per cent on 2023.

Funding remains a significant barrier however, with nearly half the local authorities (48 per cent) cited budgetary capacity as the most significant challenge to adaptation. Sixty-nine of them disclosed a total of 333 climate infrastructure projects in need of investment. Together, these projects represent £67bn in value, with £27bn identified as immediate funding needs.

Hanah Paik, interim director of cities, states and regions at CDP, said: “The UK is already experiencing the impacts of a changing climate: more frequent heatwaves, heavier rainfall, and an increased risk of flooding. These events are not abstract, they’re affecting infrastructure, local economies, and the well-being of communities across the country. It’s encouraging to see so many local authorities stepping up with clear climate targets and actionable plans, building the resilience needed to protect lives and livelihoods.”

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