Introduction

The ISO 27001:2022 edition, which focuses on information security management systems (ISMS), includes a climate change clause. This clause has been added to address the growing concerns regarding the impact of climate change on organizations and their information security practices. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the inclusion of the climate change clause in ISO 27001:2022 and where it can be found in the standard.

Reasons for Including the Climate Change Clause

The inclusion of the climate change clause in ISO 27001:2022 can be attributed to several reasons: 1. Environmental Impact: Climate change poses significant environmental risks, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and ecosystem disruptions. These environmental changes can directly or indirectly impact an organization's information security. For example, natural disasters can lead to power outages, infrastructure damage, and data loss. 2. Business Continuity: Climate change-related events can disrupt business operations, leading to financial losses and reputational damage. By addressing the potential impacts of climate change on information security, organizations can enhance their business continuity planning and ensure the ongoing availability, integrity, and confidentiality of their information assets. 3. Regulatory Compliance: Many countries and regulatory bodies are introducing or strengthening environmental regulations. Organizations that fail to consider climate change in their information security practices may face legal and compliance issues. Including the climate change clause in ISO 27001:2022 helps organizations align with these evolving regulatory requirements. 4. Stakeholder Expectations: Customers, investors, and other stakeholders are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of organizations. By incorporating climate change considerations into their information security management systems, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and meet stakeholder expectations.

Location of the Climate Change Clause in ISO 27001:2022

The climate change clause can be found in Annex A of ISO 27001:2022, which provides a comprehensive set of controls for implementing an ISMS. Specifically, the climate change clause is included under Control A.17 - Information Security Aspects of Business Continuity Management. Control A.17.3 focuses on "Protection against Disruptions to Information Processing Facilities." Within this control, the climate change clause is addressed as a specific consideration. It emphasizes the need for organizations to assess the potential impacts of climate change on their information processing facilities and implement appropriate controls to mitigate these risks. By including the climate change clause in ISO 27001:2022, organizations are encouraged to proactively address the environmental risks associated with climate change and integrate them into their overall information security management systems.

Conclusion

The inclusion of the climate change clause in ISO 27001:2022 reflects the growing recognition of the environmental risks posed by climate change and their potential impact on information security. By considering climate change in their information security practices, organizations can enhance their resilience, comply with evolving regulations, meet stakeholder expectations, and contribute to a more sustainable future. The climate change clause can be found in Annex A, specifically under Control A.17.3, within the ISO 27001:2022 standard.