Local Government Pension Scheme investments
The Pension Schemes Act 2026 made changes to how the Local Government Pension Scheme makes investments.
COP31: The 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference
The 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) is to be held from 9 to 20 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye. Last year, Brazil hosted COP30 in Belém, and will hand over the presidency to joint hosts Türkiye and Australia. This briefing covers the main themes of COP31.
Running AMOC: Is the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation weakening?
The AMOC system of ocean currents, including the Gulf Stream, helps keep the UK climate temperate. Scientists think that the AMOC may be weakening because of global warming.
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Research Briefing
Flood risk management and funding
This briefing paper provides an overview of flood and coastal risk management in the UK, including which bodies manage risk, current policy on flood risk management, and how flood funding works.
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Research Briefing
What might a ‘Godzilla’ El Niño mean for the UK?
El Niño conditions form when warmer waters spread across the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, resulting in global changes to weather and climate. Several forecasts from national weather agencies indicate that the next El Niño could be one of the strongest on record.
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Research Briefing
Droughts in England
Droughts are increasingly common in England. Droughts can lead to restrictions on water use, reduced crop yields and environmental damage.
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Research Briefing
What is a ‘whole of society’ approach to defence and security?
What is the government doing to prepare the UK for crisis or conflict?
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Research Briefing
Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and UK national security
The government published its national security assessment on Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security in January 2026. A debate on the assessment, introduced by Adrian Ramsay, is due to take place in Westminster Hall on 3 September 2026.
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Research Briefing
Is the UK prepared for heatwaves?
Amid multiple heatwaves this summer, is the UK is prepared for extreme heat? This briefing provides an overview of the risk posed by heatwaves, government policy, progress and stakeholder comment.
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Research Briefing
UK aid and climate change
Sets out the potential effects of climate change on global development goals, UK Government aid strategies on climate change, and how UK aid is spent.
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Research Briefing
Future water resources
This briefing sets out the challenges for future water resources in England. It covers future water resource forecasts, policy and legislation, and planned actions to address the water supply deficit.
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Insight
Droughts in England
Droughts are increasingly common in England. Droughts can lead to restrictions on water use, reduced crop yields and environmental damage.
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Research Briefing
Clean power targets
By 2030, the government aims to meet Britain’s electricity demand with energy from clean sources. 66% of British electricity currently comes from clean sources.
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Research Briefing
What are carbon budgets?
Carbon budgets are five-year carbon emissions limits set by the UK Government. The UK is aiming for ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050.
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Research Briefing
The UK’s plans and progress to reach net zero by 2050
The UK is committed to reaching net zero by 2050. This briefing provides an overview of the background context for net zero, the plans in place to reach this goal, and current progress.
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