The ISO 27001 Climate Change Amendment marks a pivotal evolution in how organizations manage information security in a rapidly changing global environment. In February 2024, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), supported by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), formally introduced climate change considerations into ISO management system standards, including ISO/IEC 27001.
Effective immediately, this amendment requires organizations to explicitly evaluate whether climate change is a relevant issue within their Information Security Management System (ISMS). While the amendment does not change the core intent of ISO 27001, it significantly raises expectations around risk awareness, resilience, and strategic planning.
For organizations seeking to maintain certification, strengthen business continuity, and demonstrate responsible governance, understanding the ISO 27001 Climate Change Amendment is no longer optional — it is essential.
What Is the ISO 27001 Climate Change Amendment?
The ISO 27001 Climate Change Amendment is part of a broader ISO initiative aligned with the ISO London Declaration on Climate Change. It introduces two targeted text additions to existing ISO management system standards using the harmonized structure (Annex SL).
These changes apply to new and existing ISO 27001 certifications and are effective from the date of publication — with no transition period.
Explore More: Why ISO 27001 certification is important
Exact Changes to ISO 27001 Clauses 4.1 and 4.2
ISO 27001 Clause 4.1 – Understanding the Organization and Its Context
New requirement added:
“The organization shall determine whether climate change is a relevant issue.”
This means organizations must formally assess climate change as part of their internal and external context analysis.
ISO 27001 Clause 4.2 – Understanding the Needs and Expectations of Interested Parties
New note added:
“Relevant interested parties can have requirements related to climate change.”
This highlights that customers, regulators, investors, insurers, and partners may now expect climate‑related risk awareness and controls as part of information security governance.
Intent Behind the ISO 27001 Climate Change Amendment
According to ANAB Heads Up Issue 527, the intent of Clauses 4.1 and 4.2 remains unchanged. These clauses have always required organizations to consider all relevant internal and external issues that could impact the effectiveness of the management system.
What’s different now?
Climate change has been explicitly identified as a critical external issue that organizations must no longer overlook.
In short:
- Climate change must be considered
- Its relevance must be documented
- Its risks and opportunities must be evaluated within the ISMS
Does the Amendment Require Changes to ISO 27001 Certification?
No certificate reissue is required.
According to the IAF Final Decision:
- There is no transition period
- Existing certificates remain valid
- Auditors will verify climate change consideration during surveillance and recertification audits
However, organizations must be able to demonstrate that climate change has been evaluated within their ISMS.
Explore More: ISO 9001 Climate Change Amendment
How Climate Change Can Impact an ISO 27001 ISMS
Even though ISO 27001 focuses on information security, climate change can directly and indirectly affect confidentiality, integrity,
and availability of information.
1. Climate‑Related Risk Assessment
Organizations should evaluate risks such as:
- Extreme weather impacting data centers or offices
- Flooding, fires, or heat affecting IT infrastructure
- Power outages disrupting security controls
- Regulatory climate requirements affecting data handling
If climate change is relevant, it must be reflected in:
- Risk registers
- Risk treatment plans
- ISMS objectives
2. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
Climate change increases the likelihood of:
- Natural disasters
- Extended service outages
- Geographic disruptions
ISO 27001‑certified organizations should ensure:
- Backup systems are geographically resilient
- Disaster recovery plans include climate scenarios
- Data availability is maintained during environmental disruptions
3. Supply Chain and Third‑Party Security Risks
Climate events can disrupt suppliers, cloud providers, and logistics partners.
Organizations should:
- Assess climate risks within the supply chain
- Avoid single points of failure
- Include climate resilience in supplier security evaluations
- Protect information shared during contingency operations
4. Cybersecurity Risks Triggered by Climate Events
Extreme weather can weaken defenses by:
- Disrupting power and communication networks
- Increasing reliance on remote work
- Creating opportunities for cyberattacks during emergencies
ISMS controls should address:
- Secure remote access
- Incident response during outages
- Heightened monitoring during crisis events
Explore More: Benefits of iso 27001 certification for an organization
5. Interested Parties and Regulatory Expectations
Stakeholders increasingly expect organizations to:
- Acknowledge climate‑related risks
- Demonstrate operational resilience
- Align with ESG and sustainability commitments
Failing to consider climate change may result in:
- Audit findings
- Reputational damage
- Loss of customer trust
Explore more: ISO 27001 Requirements Checklist 2025
What If Climate Change Is Not Relevant to Your ISMS?
ISO allows flexibility.
If your organization determines that climate change is not relevant, you must:
- Document the evaluation
- Justify the conclusion
- Retain evidence for audit purposes
A simple documented assessment is sufficient — but ignoring the topic entirely is not acceptable.
Practical Steps to Comply with the ISO 27001 Climate Change Amendment
To align quickly and effectively:
1. Update context analysis (Clause 4.1)
2. Review interested parties for climate‑related expectations
3. Assess climate risks and opportunities
4. Update risk registers if applicable
5. Review business continuity plans
6. Train key personnel
7. Document everything clearly
No major system overhaul is required — only structured, evidence‑based consideration.
Why the ISO 27001 Climate Change Amendment Strengthens Your Organization
Rather than being a burden, the amendment helps organizations:
- Improve resilience
- Reduce operational surprises
- Strengthen governance
- Align information security with real‑world risks
- Demonstrate leadership and accountability
Organizations that proactively address climate risks are better positioned for long‑term security, compliance, and trust.
Final Thoughts: Turning Compliance into Competitive Advantage
The ISO 27001 Climate Change Amendment reflects a global shift toward smarter, more resilient management systems. Organizations that respond strategically — rather than reactively — will not only pass audits but also build stronger, future‑ready ISMS frameworks.
Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue.
It is an information security issue, a business continuity issue, and a leadership issue.
And now, it’s officially part of ISO 27001.
Why Modern Quality Makers is Your Top Partner for ISO Consulting in Saudi Arabia
When it comes to navigating the complexities of the ISO 27001 Climate Change Amendment, Modern Quality Makers (MQM) stands out as the premier accredited ISO consultancy firm in Saudi Arabia. With a deep understanding of the local market dynamics and global compliance standards, MQM provides world-class consulting, auditing, and training services tailored to the Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
Our team of certified experts doesn’t just help you get certified; we ensure your Information Security Management System (ISMS) is resilient, future-proof, and fully aligned with the latest international requirements. From Riyadh to Jeddah and Dammam, Modern Quality Makers is recognized for transforming complex regulatory updates into seamless operational advantages, making us the trusted choice for organizations seeking excellence and sustainable security.
FAQs about ISO 27001 Climate Change Amendment
1. When does the ISO 27001 Climate Change Amendment take effect?
The amendment is effective immediately. As of February 2024, all ISO management system standards, including ISO 27001, require organizations to consider climate change as a relevant factor in their context analysis.
2. Do I need to replace my current ISO 27001:2022 certificate?
No. You do not need a new certificate. The amendment is an addition to the existing standard, and compliance will be verified during your next regularly scheduled surveillance or recertification audit.
3. What happens if climate change is not relevant to my business?
If your organization determines that climate change does not impact your information security, you must still document this evaluation. Auditors will look for evidence that you have formally considered the issue and reached a justified conclusion.
4. How can Modern Quality Makers help with this amendment?
MQM provides specialized gap analysis and consulting to help you update your risk assessment and context documentation. We ensure your ISMS meets the new requirements efficiently without disrupting your daily operations.
5. Does this amendment apply to other ISO standards?
Yes. The climate change text has been added to over 30 ISO management system standards, including ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environment), and ISO 45001 (Health & Safety), following the ISO London Declaration.
