Suzannah Sherman

Climate Policy Researcher

My research sits at the intersection of climate adaptation, policy, and urban sustainability transitions. I focus on designing policy frameworks that can drive transformative environmental action and real-world impact.

I'm committed to accelerating the transition to climate-resilient communities and finding ways to drive the systemic policy and institutional changes needed.

With over a decade of experience in climate change and environmental policy, I specialize in translating complex sustainability challenges into actionable insights for policymakers, NGOs, and investors. Most recently, as a Research Fellow at Chatham House's Sustainability Accelerator, I led multi-year research projects on climate adaptation, nature-based solutions, and sustainable bioeconomies, while contributing to strategic direction for the program.

I've also worked directly with the UK Climate Change Committee, conducting statutory adaptation policy reviews for government and developing evidence-based recommendations. Earlier in my career, I helped multinational corporations develop carbon reduction strategies and implement sustainable supply chains.

Want to talk about climate adaptation, policy frameworks, and sustainable transitions? Get in touch!

Suzannah Sherman - Climate Policy Researcher
RESEARCH FOCUS
Colorful mural featuring wildlife and nature themes

Climate Adaptation Policy

Examining emerging policy areas for robust adaptation frameworks to link climate resilience with decarbonisation, biodiversity and social justice.

Recent projects include policy research for transformative adaptation, and delivering statutory adaptation policy analysis for UK, Welsh and Northern Irish governments.

Lush urban garden with diverse tropical plants and palm fronds

Bioeconomy Transitions

Exploring collaborative international policy mechanisms for managing sustainable bio-based value chains, with particular focus on governance frameworks for nature-rich tropical countries.

Recent projects include work on institutional designs for bioeconomy cooperation, examining how multilateral platforms, country partnerships, and private sector collaborations can coordinate across fragmented sectors, emerging innovations and different governance systems.

Colorful modern building representing urban climate transitions

Urban Climate Transitions

Investigating sub-national governance for urban climate transitions and role of built environment in achieving sustainable cities.

Recent projects include researching how regenerative design principles can be embedded across the built environment to create positive outcomes and how UK devolved authorities coordinate climate adaptation.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Five budding action areas for regenerative design
Article2025
Five budding action areas for regenerative design

Chatham House, 2025

Promising areas of existing action that could kickstart more transformative regenerative design.

How strategic collaboration on the bioeconomy can boost climate and nature action
Report2024
How strategic collaboration on the bioeconomy can boost climate and nature action

Chatham House, 2024

Co-authors: A. Yang, H. Throp

This paper examines the potential for international coordination on bio-based innovations.

Progress in adapting to climate change - 2023 Report to Parliament
Report2023
Progress in adapting to climate change - 2023 Report to Parliament

UK Climate Change Committee, 2023

The CCC's annual assessment of England's progress in adapting to climate change.