Iso 14090 Managing The Impact of Climate Change

ISO 14090 is a standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) titled “Adaptation to Climate Change – Principles, Requirements and Guidelines.” It provides guidance on how organizations can effectively manage the risks and opportunities associated with climate change impacts.

The standard offers a framework for assessing climate-related risks and opportunities, developing adaptation strategies, implementing measures to reduce vulnerabilities, and monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of these actions. It emphasizes the importance of integrating climate change considerations into existing management systems and decision-making processes.

ISO 14090 aims to assist organizations in building resilience to climate change by promoting proactive adaptation measures. It is designed to be applicable to a wide range of organizations, regardless of size, sector, or location.

By following the principles and guidelines outlined in ISO 14090, organizations can better understand and manage the potential impacts of climate change on their operations, supply chains, and stakeholders, ultimately contributing to their long-term sustainability and success.

What is required Iso 14090 Managing The Impact of Climate Change

ISO 14090 outlines principles, requirements, and guidelines for managing the impact of climate change through adaptation strategies. Here are some key aspects typically addressed in ISO 14090:

  1. Context Establishment: Organizations need to understand their operating context, including the potential impacts of climate change on their activities, products, services, and stakeholders.
  2. Risk Assessment: A thorough assessment of climate-related risks and opportunities should be conducted, considering both current and future scenarios. This involves identifying hazards, vulnerabilities, and potential impacts on the organization.
  3. Adaptation Planning: Based on the risk assessment, organizations develop adaptation plans and strategies to manage climate-related risks and harness opportunities. These plans should include specific actions, timelines, responsibilities, and resource requirements.
  4. Implementation: Organizations implement the adaptation plans, integrating climate change considerations into their existing management systems, processes, and decision-making frameworks. This may involve changes in policies, procedures, infrastructure, technologies, and practices.
  5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to assess the effectiveness of adaptation measures and to identify any changes in climate-related risks and opportunities. This feedback loop allows organizations to adjust their strategies accordingly.
  6. Stakeholder Engagement: Collaboration and communication with stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, regulators, and communities, are crucial for effective climate change adaptation. Engaging stakeholders helps to build awareness, gather relevant information, and garner support for adaptation initiatives.
  7. Capacity Building and Awareness: Organizations should invest in building internal capacity and raising awareness among employees about the importance of climate change adaptation. This may involve training programs, knowledge sharing, and promoting a culture of sustainability and resilience.
  8. Documentation and Reporting: Keeping comprehensive records of adaptation activities, including data, analyses, decisions, and outcomes, is essential for accountability and transparency. Regular reporting on climate change adaptation efforts demonstrates organizational commitment and progress to stakeholders.

ISO 14090 provides a flexible framework that organizations can adapt to their specific circumstances, taking into account factors such as sectoral differences, geographic location, and organizational size. Compliance with ISO 14090 helps organizations demonstrate their commitment to managing climate change impacts effectively, enhancing their resilience and sustainability in a changing climate.

Who is required Iso 14090 Managing The Impact of Climate Change


ISO 14090 is not a legally binding requirement; rather, it is a voluntary international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Therefore, it is not mandatory for any organization to implement ISO 14090.

However, ISO 14090 provides guidelines, principles, and requirements for organizations to effectively manage the impact of climate change through adaptation strategies. While compliance with ISO 14090 is voluntary, organizations may choose to adopt it for several reasons:

  1. Market Expectations: Increasingly, consumers, investors, and other stakeholders are looking for evidence of environmental responsibility and climate resilience in organizations. Adopting ISO 14090 can help demonstrate a commitment to managing climate-related risks and opportunities.
  2. Regulatory Compliance: While ISO 14090 itself is not a regulatory requirement, governments and regulatory bodies may incorporate its principles and guidelines into their policies, regulations, or standards related to climate change adaptation. In such cases, compliance with ISO 14090 can help organizations meet regulatory obligations.
  3. Risk Management: Climate change poses significant risks to businesses, including physical risks, regulatory risks, reputational risks, and market risks. By implementing ISO 14090, organizations can enhance their resilience to these risks and improve their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
  4. Operational Efficiency: Adopting ISO 14090 can help organizations identify opportunities for operational efficiency improvements, resource optimization, and innovation. By integrating climate change considerations into their management systems, organizations can enhance their long-term sustainability and competitiveness.
  5. Stakeholder Expectations: Stakeholders, including customers, investors, employees, and communities, increasingly expect organizations to address climate change impacts. Adopting ISO 14090 can help meet these expectations and enhance stakeholder trust and confidence.

Ultimately, the decision to implement ISO 14090 depends on factors such as organizational goals, priorities, resources, and the external operating environment. While ISO 14090 provides valuable guidance for managing the impact of climate change, organizations should carefully consider their specific circumstances and objectives before deciding to adopt it.

When is required Iso 14090 Managing The Impact of Climate Change

ISO 14090, as a voluntary international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), is not mandated by any specific regulatory body or government. Therefore, there is no specific timeline or deadline by which organizations are required to implement ISO 14090 for managing the impact of climate change.

However, organizations may choose to adopt ISO 14090 at any time based on various factors such as:

  1. Market Demands: Increasingly, consumers, investors, and other stakeholders are prioritizing sustainability and climate resilience. Organizations may choose to implement ISO 14090 in response to market pressures and expectations for environmental responsibility.
  2. Regulatory Changes: While ISO 14090 itself is not a regulatory requirement, governments and regulatory bodies may introduce policies, regulations, or standards related to climate change adaptation that incorporate ISO 14090 principles and guidelines. In such cases, organizations may adopt ISO 14090 to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
  3. Risk Management Needs: Climate change poses significant risks to businesses, including physical, regulatory, reputational, and market risks. Organizations may choose to implement ISO 14090 as part of their risk management strategy to enhance resilience and adaptability to climate-related risks.
  4. Strategic Objectives: Organizations may adopt ISO 14090 as part of their broader sustainability or corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Integrating climate change adaptation into organizational strategies can help achieve long-term sustainability goals and enhance competitiveness.
  5. Stakeholder Expectations: Stakeholders, including customers, investors, employees, and communities, may expect organizations to address climate change impacts. Implementing ISO 14090 can help meet these expectations and enhance stakeholder trust and engagement.

While there is no specific deadline for implementing ISO 14090, organizations should carefully assess their circumstances, priorities, and objectives to determine the most appropriate timing for adoption. Early adoption of ISO 14090 can provide organizations with a competitive advantage, enhance resilience to climate change impacts, and demonstrate leadership in environmental stewardship.

Where is required Iso 14090 Managing The Impact of Climate Change

ISO 14090, which provides guidance on managing the impact of climate change through adaptation strategies, can be relevant and beneficial for various types of organizations across different sectors and geographical locations. Here are some contexts where ISO 14090 may be particularly applicable:

  1. Corporate Sector: Businesses of all sizes and types, including multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and start-ups, can benefit from implementing ISO 14090. This includes companies in industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, energy, transportation, finance, retail, and services.
  2. Public Sector: Government agencies, ministries, and public institutions at the local, regional, national, and international levels may find ISO 14090 useful for integrating climate change adaptation into policies, programs, and projects. This includes departments responsible for environmental management, urban planning, infrastructure development, emergency management, and public health.
  3. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs, environmental organizations, research institutions, and advocacy groups working on climate change mitigation and adaptation can use ISO 14090 as a framework for developing and implementing adaptation initiatives. This includes NGOs focused on conservation, community development, humanitarian assistance, and sustainable development.
  4. Industry Associations: Trade associations, professional bodies, and industry coalitions can promote the adoption of ISO 14090 among their members as part of industry-wide efforts to address climate change impacts. This includes associations representing specific sectors such as agriculture, tourism, construction, and technology.
  5. Supply Chains: Organizations involved in global supply chains, including suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and service providers, can collaborate to implement ISO 14090 and address climate-related risks and opportunities throughout the supply chain. This includes initiatives to assess supply chain vulnerabilities, improve resilience, and enhance sustainability.
  6. Communities and Cities: Local governments, municipalities, community organizations, and urban planners can use ISO 14090 to develop climate resilience plans, assess vulnerability to climate change impacts, and implement measures to protect infrastructure, ecosystems, and public health in urban and rural areas.
  7. Financial Institutions: Banks, investment funds, insurance companies, and other financial institutions can integrate ISO 14090 principles into risk management practices, investment decisions, and lending criteria to address climate-related risks and opportunities in their portfolios.
  8. Research and Academia: Academic institutions, research centers, and universities can contribute to the development and implementation of ISO 14090 through research, education, capacity building, and knowledge exchange initiatives related to climate change adaptation.

Overall, ISO 14090 is designed to be flexible and applicable to a wide range of organizations and contexts, helping them effectively manage the impact of climate change and build resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

How is required Iso 14090 Managing The Impact of Climate Change


Implementing ISO 14090 for managing the impact of climate change involves several steps and considerations. Here’s how organizations can approach the implementation process:

  1. Understanding the Standard: Begin by thoroughly reviewing ISO 14090 to understand its principles, requirements, and guidelines for climate change adaptation. This involves familiarizing yourself with the scope of the standard, key concepts, and the overall framework it provides.
  2. Assessing Climate Risks and Opportunities: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of climate-related risks and opportunities that may impact your organization. This includes identifying potential hazards, vulnerabilities, and impacts associated with climate change, both now and in the future.
  3. Developing Adaptation Strategies: Based on the risk assessment, develop adaptation strategies and plans to manage climate-related risks and capitalize on opportunities. These strategies should outline specific actions, objectives, timelines, responsibilities, and resource requirements.
  4. Integrating Adaptation into Management Systems: Integrate climate change adaptation considerations into existing management systems, processes, and decision-making frameworks within your organization. This may involve updating policies, procedures, and practices to reflect climate resilience objectives.
  5. Implementing Adaptation Measures: Implement the adaptation measures outlined in your strategies, focusing on reducing vulnerabilities, enhancing resilience, and seizing opportunities related to climate change impacts. This may involve investing in infrastructure, technology, training, and awareness-raising activities.
  6. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a system for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of adaptation measures over time. This involves tracking progress, assessing outcomes, and identifying any adjustments or improvements needed to enhance adaptation efforts.
  7. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, regulators, and communities, throughout the adaptation process. Seek input, build partnerships, and communicate transparently about climate change risks, adaptation measures, and progress.
  8. Capacity Building and Awareness: Invest in building internal capacity and raising awareness among employees about climate change adaptation. Provide training, education, and resources to empower staff to contribute effectively to adaptation efforts.
  9. Documentation and Reporting: Maintain comprehensive records of adaptation activities, including data, analyses, decisions, and outcomes. Regularly report on climate change adaptation efforts to internal and external stakeholders to demonstrate progress and accountability.
  10. Continuous Improvement: Continuously review and refine your organization’s adaptation strategies and practices based on new information, feedback, and changing circumstances. Adaptation to climate change is an ongoing process that requires flexibility, innovation, and continuous improvement.

By following these steps and considerations, organizations can effectively implement ISO 14090 and manage the impact of climate change on their operations, stakeholders, and the environment.

Case Study on Iso 14090 Managing The Impact of Climate Change

Here’s a hypothetical case study illustrating the implementation of ISO 14090 for managing the impact of climate change in a manufacturing company:


Case Study: XYZ Manufacturing Company

Background: XYZ Manufacturing Company is a global leader in the production of automotive components, operating multiple facilities across different regions. Recognizing the increasing risks posed by climate change to its operations and supply chain, XYZ has decided to implement ISO 14090 to enhance its resilience and sustainability.

Implementation Steps:

  1. Risk Assessment: XYZ conducts a comprehensive assessment of climate-related risks and opportunities across its operations. This includes analyzing potential impacts such as extreme weather events, supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, and shifts in customer preferences.
  2. Adaptation Strategies: Based on the risk assessment, XYZ develops adaptation strategies tailored to each facility and business unit. These strategies prioritize actions such as enhancing energy efficiency, diversifying suppliers, investing in renewable energy sources, and developing alternative transportation routes.
  3. Integration into Management Systems: XYZ integrates climate change adaptation considerations into its existing management systems and processes. This involves updating environmental management policies, incorporating climate risk assessments into strategic planning, and establishing clear responsibilities for implementing adaptation measures.
  4. Implementation of Measures: XYZ implements a range of adaptation measures across its operations. For example, it invests in energy-efficient technologies, installs backup power systems to mitigate the risk of power outages during extreme weather events, and collaborates with suppliers to improve climate resilience in the supply chain.
  5. Monitoring and Evaluation: XYZ establishes a monitoring and evaluation framework to track the effectiveness of adaptation measures. Key performance indicators (KPIs) are identified to measure progress, such as reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, improvements in energy efficiency, and the frequency of supply chain disruptions.
  6. Stakeholder Engagement: XYZ engages with stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and local communities, to raise awareness about climate change risks and adaptation efforts. It collaborates with industry associations, government agencies, and NGOs to share best practices and build collective resilience.
  7. Capacity Building and Awareness: XYZ invests in training programs to build internal capacity and raise awareness among employees about climate change adaptation. Staff are educated on the importance of adaptation measures and empowered to identify opportunities for improvement in their areas of responsibility.
  8. Documentation and Reporting: XYZ maintains detailed records of adaptation activities and regularly reports on progress to internal and external stakeholders. Annual sustainability reports are published to communicate achievements, challenges, and future plans related to climate change adaptation.

Outcomes: Through the implementation of ISO 14090, XYZ Manufacturing Company achieves several positive outcomes:

  • Enhanced resilience to climate change impacts, reducing the risk of disruptions to operations and supply chain.
  • Improved energy efficiency and resource utilization, leading to cost savings and environmental benefits.
  • Strengthened relationships with stakeholders through transparent communication and collaboration on climate resilience initiatives.
  • Positioning as a responsible corporate citizen committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Conclusion: By proactively managing the impact of climate change through the implementation of ISO 14090, XYZ Manufacturing Company not only safeguards its business operations but also contributes to broader efforts to address climate-related challenges and build a more sustainable future.


This case study demonstrates how a manufacturing company can apply ISO 14090 principles to effectively manage the impact of climate change and enhance its resilience and sustainability.

White Paper on Iso 14090 Managing The Impact of Climate Change

Title: Enhancing Climate Resilience: A White Paper on Implementing ISO 14090

Executive Summary: In the face of escalating climate change risks, organizations worldwide are recognizing the imperative to build resilience and adaptability into their operations. ISO 14090 provides a robust framework for managing the impact of climate change through proactive adaptation strategies. This white paper explores the principles, requirements, and guidelines outlined in ISO 14090 and offers practical insights for organizations seeking to enhance their climate resilience.

Introduction: Climate change poses significant challenges to businesses, governments, and communities, with impacts ranging from extreme weather events to shifting regulatory landscapes. ISO 14090, “Adaptation to Climate Change – Principles, Requirements, and Guidelines,” offers a comprehensive approach to address these challenges by integrating climate change adaptation into organizational processes and decision-making.

Understanding ISO 14090: ISO 14090 establishes a systematic framework for assessing climate-related risks, developing adaptation strategies, implementing measures, and monitoring progress. It emphasizes the importance of considering both current and future climate scenarios, engaging stakeholders, and continuously improving adaptation efforts.

Key Components of ISO 14090 Implementation:

  1. Risk Assessment: Organizations conduct a thorough assessment of climate-related risks and vulnerabilities, considering factors such as location, sector, and operational context.
  2. Adaptation Planning: Based on the risk assessment, organizations develop adaptation strategies and plans that outline specific actions, timelines, responsibilities, and resource requirements.
  3. Integration into Management Systems: Climate change adaptation considerations are integrated into existing management systems, processes, and decision-making frameworks within organizations.
  4. Implementation of Measures: Organizations implement a range of adaptation measures, such as infrastructure upgrades, policy changes, and capacity-building initiatives.
  5. Monitoring and Evaluation: A robust monitoring and evaluation system is established to track the effectiveness of adaptation measures and identify areas for improvement.

Case Studies: This white paper presents case studies of organizations that have successfully implemented ISO 14090 to manage the impact of climate change. These case studies highlight best practices, lessons learned, and tangible outcomes achieved through proactive adaptation efforts.

Conclusion: ISO 14090 provides a valuable framework for organizations to enhance their climate resilience and effectively manage the impact of climate change. By adopting ISO 14090 principles and guidelines, organizations can build adaptive capacity, mitigate risks, and seize opportunities in a changing climate landscape.

Recommendations: To effectively implement ISO 14090, organizations are encouraged to:

  • Prioritize climate change adaptation as a strategic imperative.
  • Engage stakeholders throughout the adaptation process.
  • Invest in capacity building and awareness-raising initiatives.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

References: This white paper draws on a range of sources, including ISO 14090 guidelines, academic research, case studies, and industry reports, to provide a comprehensive overview of climate change adaptation best practices.


This white paper serves as a comprehensive guide for organizations looking to implement ISO 14090 and enhance their resilience to climate change impacts. It provides actionable insights, case studies, and recommendations to support organizations on their journey toward climate resilience.

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