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For December's theme of Nature and Climate: trade-offs and opportunities, Martha Jennings takes us through the challenges Skomer Island has faced as a result of the worsening climate crisis, and the opportunities to protect it. Photo courtesy of Martha Jennings An internationally important seabird island and home to one of Britain’s largest puffin populations, Skomer, situated off the southwest coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales, attracts 20,000 visitors a year, including myself. The rich biodiversity on display both on and off the island has brought me back here for over a decade. In May this year I was due to visit the island again with friends. The morning of our visit, I received an email to say our trip had been cancelled due to ‘very strong winds and swell’. We managed to book onto a tour boat going around the island the next day where we were met with the on-going strong winds and stomach-churning swells. By booking 6 months ahead, my friends and I thought we had beaten the crowds, but in the face of climate change Skomer’s mass tourism is not the island’s only challenge. Challenges As a result of climate change, storms like the one that cancelled our trip are now more frequent, particularly during the guillemot’s breeding season in May as Professor Tim Birkhead’s 50 - year study of guillemots on Skomer observed. [1]  In May 2021, two storms ‘resulted in the direct loss of many guillemot eggs and reduced breeding successes’ and in 2014, another storm caused a ‘sharp increase in guillemot deaths’. [2]  Storm damage has also caused pink sea fan populations to decline [3] and behavioural changes has been seen in Skomer’s seal populations. It was reported that after Storm Brian in October 2017, the number of adult seals hauled-out on the beaches decreased. [4]   Climate change has also caused behavioural changes in Skomer’s seabirds due to rising air and water temperatures. Birkhead's study found that climate change had caused altered breeding patterns with guillemots ‘now breeding on average, two-and-a-half weeks earlier’ than they did in the 1970’s. [5]  Puffin feeds per day have also decreased due to the additional distance they must travel for decent shoal numbers as sand eels, integral to the puffin’s diet, are more attuned to cold water. [6]   In the last 3 years, the minimum sea temperatures were the highest on record since 2007, ‘9.1 degrees Celsius was the minimum recorded in March 2024 compared to an average of 7.9 degrees Celsius for 2000 to 2024’. [7]   Photo courtesy of Martha Jennings Opportunities   Despite ongoing challenges, opportunities to tackle the effects of climate change to protect and preserve the wildlife on Skomer have been seized in the last two decades. Crucial to this has been the introduction of Wales’ first Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ), established in 2014 under the Marine and Coastal Access Act of 2009. [8]   Skomer’s MCZ management plan uses byelaws under nature conservation legislation and codes of conducts to restrict certain activities such as dumping rubbish, and taking, killing or disturbing wildlife. [9] In recent years, Skomer’s MCZ has witnessed the recovery of its scallop population alongside a record 446 grey seal pups being born in 2021. [10] Additionally, the MCZ extensive research and monitoring programme not only broadens our knowledge and understanding of marine species, communities and habitats [11] , but it means that problems can be caught early- a valuable ability in the face of unpredictable changes to the climate. Opportunities to make the island more resilient to the impacts of climate change from projects like the ‘ Sustainable and Resilient Skomer and Skokholm Islands’ project funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in March 2024, have allowed urgent upgrades to infrastructure and facilities on the island to reduce energy. [12]  This includes the replacement of the solar hot water system and new windows on the south side of the library building which will reduce damp and draughts and keep heat in. [13] The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales has said that reducing energy costs will allow the organisation to invest more ‘income in the management of the nature reserve’, ultimately leading to enhanced biodiversity. [14] The island’s strict codes of conduct already in place further aim to reduce human impact on the island and wildlife. Visitors are highly encouraged to walk on the dedicated paths which have been purposely formed to go around the various wildlife habitats, particularly the fragile puffin burrows. Dogs are also not allowed on the island and there are no bins, so rubbish must be taken home. Photo courtesy of Martha Jennings What next for Skomer? In the face of climate change, it’s hard to predict what challenges Skomer island, its wildlife, visitors, volunteers and staff may face. Skomer has proven that there are opportunities for the island to withstand the impacts of climate change and in some areas thrive. I hope I, like the other thousands of visitors to Skomer, will be able to visit and support the island for future generations to come. Photo courtesy of Martha Jennings References [1] https://sheffield.ac.uk/news/scientists-50-year-study-reveals-climate-change-and-avian-flu-impact-uk-seabirds [2] https://sheffield.ac.uk/news/scientists-50-year-study-reveals-climate-change-and-avian-flu-impact-uk-seabirds [3] https://www.mcsuk.org/news/skomer-island-a-marine-conservation-success-story/ [4] https://skomerisland.blogspot.com/2017/10/seals-and-storms.html#:~:text=There%20was%20some%20impact%20on,also%20decreased%20since%20the%20storm.&text=While%20sharing%20this%20information%20is,breeding%20population%20of%20Grey%20Seals.&text=If%20you%20are%20interested%20in,here%20on%20the%20WTSWW%20homepage . [5] https://sheffield.ac.uk/news/scientists-50-year-study-reveals-climate-change-and-avian-flu-impact-uk-seabirds [6] https://www.seatrust.org.uk/blog/puffins-porpoise-and-policy-why-skomer-teems-with-life/ [7] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/oct/26/guillemots-study-skomer-wales-budget-cut-tim-birkhead [8] https://www.seatrust.org.uk/blog/puffins-porpoise-and-policy-why-skomer-teems-with-life/ [9] https://naturalresources.wales/guidance-and-advice/environmental-topics/wildlife-and-biodiversity/protected-areas-of-land-and-seas/skomer-marine-conservation-zone/?lang=en [10] https://www.mcsuk.org/news/skomer-island-a-marine-conservation-success-story/ [11] https://naturalresources.wales/guidance-and-advice/environmental-topics/wildlife-and-biodiversity/protected-areas-of-land-and-seas/skomer-marine-conservation-zone/?lang=en [12] https://www.welshwildlife.org/news/sustainable-and-resilient-skomer-and-skokholm-islands#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20work%20to,their%20nest%20burrows%20after%20dark . [13] https://www.welshwildlife.org/news/sustainable-and-resilient-skomer-and-skokholm-islands#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20work%20to,their%20nest%20burrows%20after%20dark . [14] https://www.welshwildlife.org/news/sustainable-and-resilient-skomer-and-skokholm-islands#:~:text=Some%20of%20the%20work%20to,their%20nest%20burrows%20after%20dark . Contribute to the CSCEN Blog If you're interested in contributing to the CSCEN Blog, get in touch with us at environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk . We'd love to hear your ideas!

COP30 began on Monday 10th November. Finn Shillitto takes us through what this means, and why it's important.   Photo courtesy of CSCENs Bryony Loveless who is currently working out in Belém for COP30. What is COP? Under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the  Conference of the Parties  ( COP ) is an annual conference which convenes the nearly 200 countries that signed the original UN climate agreement in 1992. COP30 is the 30 th  annual conference of its kind. Azerbaijan hosted COP29 in Baku in 2023 and will hand over the presidency to Brazil.  Between 10-21 November , leaders from all over the world along with scientists, activists, diplomats and indigenous people will gather in Belém, Brazil for COP30.   Host nation Brazil has set out  three main goals for COP30 : reinforcing multilateralism and cooperation, connecting climate change to individuals and the economy, and accelerating implementation.  Why is COP30 important and what is the Paris Agreement?   Every COP is important; the stakes arguably get higher with every passing year.   In Paris in 2015, nearly 200 countries agreed to try to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C above "pre-industrial" levels and to keep them "well below" 2C; this has become known as the “Paris Agreement”.   Why 1.5C?   The scientific consensus agrees that the impacts of climate change would be far greater at 2C rather than 1.5C. If 1.5C is exceeded, it could massively increase the risk of catastrophic and irreversible climate impacts such as sea level rise and extinctions.    Is the target being achieved?   Whilst policy has been put in place and there has been an increase in renewable energy,  many countries have fallen short  of what is required to meet that target.   The 1.5C target is very close to being “overshot” but UN secretary general António Guterres has hopes that, with strong policy, temperatures could be brought back down to target levels by the end of the century.  COP30 can assist with this.    Prior to COP30, countries are asked to submit plans that detail how they have or will cut emissions to suitable levels, but it has been stated that only  1/3 of countries had done so by the deadline.    What are the aims of COP30?   A key aim is to incentivise, agree steps and demonstrate stronger commitments to the aims of the Paris Agreement and ensure agreements at previous COPs are upheld.   Renewables:   Dubai hosted COP28 in 2023 and there was an agreement to treble the global capacity of renewables by 2030. Whilst efforts have been made to achieve this, the  International Energy Agency suggests  that the world is not on track to meet the agreed targets.   There is an ambition gap between the targets agreed and the actions taking place, with energy thinktank Ember suggesting that  global capacity has increased by just 2% since the agreement.    COP30 will aim to come to a consensus and find the best method to ensure a smooth energy transition that meets targets without any detrimental effects on quality of life.    Finance: Money is regularly seen as a stumbling block for ambitious global policy, and it is no different here.   Developing countries require external funding of roughly  £1 trillion per year by 2035  to allow for adaptation and mitigation to climate change. Some progress was made in COP29 where developed countries agreed to “take the lead” by raising roughly £230 billion a year with an ask for other parties to fund the rest, though this obviously leaves a big gap that needs to be filled.  A  roadmap  that details how the £1 trillion will be raised has been published and this will be discussed at COP30. COP30 will aim to agree a clear plan and timeline to deliver on this ambition.  Nature:  Research  suggests that the world’s forests hold nearly twice the amount of carbon emissions from fossil fuels since 1850.  This further emphasises the importance of regulations that restrict deforestation. Brazil has launched the Tropical Forests Forever Facility (TFFF) to triple international forest funding, promote forest protection, and support local communities. TFFF provides ongoing, performance-based payments to countries that prevent deforestation.   What difference will COP30 make?   COP30 is shaping up to be an incredible opportunity for real progress!   With the world coming together  in Belém to tackle the ambition gap, boost renewables, secure much-needed funding, and protect nature, there’s real hope for lasting change. If strong agreements are made and all countries remain committed, COP30 could be remembered as a turning point for our planet's future.    Let’s  keep an eye out to see how successful it is.      Contribute to the CSCEN Blog If you're interested in contributing to the CSCEN Blog, get in touch with us at environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk . We'd love to hear your ideas!

Cara Burke explores the link between climate change and conflict, outlines the challenges for global collaboration and for the UK government, and highlights some key strategies to mitigate conflict caused by climate change. VBMR Griffon multirole armoured personnel carrier, Exercise Hedgehog, UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025 Why might climate change create conflict? In January 2025, the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report  listed environmental risks as the four most severe risks to the planet over the coming decade. Climate change is a threat multiplier  because it exacerbates already existing vulnerabilities and tensions.  As the climate continues to change over the coming years drought, soil erosion, floods, and environmental degradation will worsen. The resulting crop failures, food and economic insecurity, and loss of land and livelihood could lead to an increase in political unrest and violence as people fight for and struggle with scarcer resources. Countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change are also among the most politically and economically fragile. Increased migration as a result of climate change may create conflict where there is competition for limited resources and deepening social divisions. Around 3.3-3.6 billion people live in environments that are highly vulnerable to climate change , and the impacts of climate change are already displacing people with 20 million people forced to emigrate annually due to extreme weather events . Climate change disproportionately affects the poorest and most vulnerable, which could cause an estimated additional 68 to 135 million people pushed into poverty by 2030 . Climate adaptation ( the actions required to manage the effects of unavoidable expected climate change ) and mitigation are essential, but must be fair for the world’s poorest, as they are also disproportionately affected by the measures to address climate change . Climate change and UK national security Global Strategic Partnerships (GSP) led by RAND Europe conducted a study  exploring the implications of climate-change-related developments on the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s ability to strengthen UK national security through engagement and response to crisis, and on NATO’s collective deterrence and defence. They concluded that climate change effects are expected to contribute to an uncertain geostrategic environment and expected to increase the frequency and scope of threats to the UK and its overseas territories. The study suggested that climate adaptation and mitigation measures could strengthen UK national security, but adaptation and mitigation challenges and requirements should be fair and balanced for low- and middle- income countries. It highlighted the need for global engagement and alliances to address climate change affects, with opportunities for the UK MOD to lead and champion within NATO on climate change. Collaboration on climate change adaptation There is a clear need for collaboration when mitigating climate change through decreasing carbon emissions, and also a need for collaborative climate adaptation strategies. The UK’s 2021 Integrated Review  and its 2023 Refresh  identified climate change as a multiplier of other global challenges, and notably emphasised the need for the UK to work in collaboration with other countries. In 2021, NATO published their Climate Change and Security Action Plan , highlighting the impacts of climate change on security and NATO’s plans to guarantee the security of the Alliance through analysing the impact of climate change on security annually, adapting to climate change, and contribute to mitigating climate change from greenhouse gas emissions from military activities and installations. Simultaneous 8 jet launch from HMR Prince of Wales, UK MOD © Crown copyright 2025 Defence impacts on climate change Climate change clearly impacts national security, but defence can also have a significantly negative impact on climate change. It accounts for 50% of the UK central Government emissions. The Ministry of Defence published their Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Approach  in 2021, which outlines the impact of defence on climate change, and their plans to reduce emissions and increase sustainability. More information on what is being done Research briefing on Climate change adaptation and resilience in the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group for Climate and Security Environmental Security research group | King's College London Global Strategic Trends: Out to 2055  published by MOD The FCDO have specialist CEIE advisors who cover climate diplomacy Climate,Environment,Infrastructure and Energy (CEIE) Technical Competency Framework - GOV.UK ​ Climate change and defence: a Dstl biscuit book - Guidance - GOV.UK Climate Change Committee Progress in adapting to climate change: 2025 report to Parliament Contribute to the CSCEN Blog If you're interested in contributing to the CSCEN Blog, get in touch with us at environment.network@energysecurity.gov.uk . We'd love to hear your ideas!

We represent a group of civil servants from a wide variety of backgrounds. Our mission is to build climate and environment knowledge and policy capability across the Civil Service. CSCEN November Discussion Group. Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and National Security: Unpacking the Risks Wed 26 Nov Microsoft Teams More info Register CSCEN December Discussion Group. After COP30: Navigating Trade-offs and Seizing Opportunities for the UK Tue 09 Dec Microsoft Teams More info Register December Offshoots - Rethinking climate adaptation: an interdisciplinary approach to installing artificial ice reservoir Wed 10 Dec Microsoft Teams More info Register Load More About Upcoming Events Podcasts Volunteering Champions Network Training

Civil Service Climate + Environment Conference FAQs Mail Conference Home General Where will the in-person conference be held this year? The 2026 conference will be held in central London. The venue will be shared at a later date. What are the satellite locations and what will be the offering at these locations? Locations have not yet been confirmed. We expect these satellite locations to bring together places for growth across the UK to stream the live conference and to provide opportunities for networking. What time will the conference start and finish? It is anticipated that the conference venue will be open from 08:45, with the conferences speaking sessions starting at 10:00. Attendees will be able to network and look around stalls between 08:45 and 10am with sessions starting at 10:00 to allow those travelling from outside of London to travel. The conference is anticipated to conclude by 17:30. Please note that the agenda for the day has not yet been finalised so these times are subject to change. Call for Abstracts How do I submit an abstract? You can submit an abstract using our Microsoft Form. When does the Call for Abstracts close? Submissions of abstracts will close on Wednesday 17th December at 11.59pm. Who can submit an abstract for the conference? We welcome submissions from civil and public servants and arm's length bodies. Please see our eligibility criteria for more details. How will abstracts be evaluated? The evaluation criteria is still being finalised but abstracts will be scored in a fair and transparent manner. What are the presentation formats for this years conference? There will be options for attendees who submit an abstract to give talks, participate in panels, run interactive workshops and participate as a stall exhibitor. During the submission process presenters will be asked to list be preference the presentation format. We cannot guarantee if you abstract is accepted that you will be given your preferred presentation format. Tickets When will tickets be available to attend? Tickets are not yet live and are expected to be released at the end of January / early February. What tickets will be available? Tickets will be available to attend in-person, attend online or attending a satellite location. Volunteers I want to help organise the conference. How can I get involved? We will be be reaching out to members to become volunteers at our in-person venue and satellite locations to help for the running of the conference on the day. More information on this will follow in the coming months. Programme When will the programme be released and where can I find the programme? The programme is expected to be released by the end of January 2026. Please note that this is subject to change.

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