The publication of ISO 14092:2026 marks a significant step forward in operationalizing climate adaptation at the local level. Replacing ISO/TS 14092:2020, the updated 2026 edition upgrades the document from a Technical Specification to a full International Standard and introduces revised guidance reflecting today’s accelerating climate risks. It provides a structured, step-by-step framework to help local governments and communities define governance responsibilities, engage stakeholders, assess and prioritize risks, design and implement adaptation measures, and monitor progress over time. A key addition is Annex D, which offers enhanced support for implementing adaptation actions in practice.
The new standard complements the broader ISO climate adaptation architecture: ISO 14090 establishes a general framework for organizations, while ISO 14091 focuses on assessing climate risk. ISO 14092 focuses on the local scale, where floods, heatwaves, droughts, and coastal erosion directly impact infrastructure, services, and investments, and translates risk insights into actionable adaptation plans. The 2026 edition aligns more closely with related standards, including ISO 14091 and ISO 14093, creating a more cohesive system for climate resilience planning. As adaptation finance increasingly requires evidence-based planning and transparent governance, ISO 14092:2026 positions local authorities and organizations to move from fragmented strategies to credible, investable adaptation pathways.
While tailored to local governments and communities, ISO 14092:2026 is applicable to any organization operating at the local level or managing location-based climate risks, offering a scalable and flexible framework that can be implemented across sectors.