Phase 1
Groundwork
Laying the foundations for a new climate council is crucial for success.
Defining its purpose and assessing existing governance structures will help determine the climate governance needed in your country. Engaging key stakeholders—politicians, civil society, and the private sector—will reveal the various incentives for establishing a climate council.
Step 1:
Find your ‘why’.
Why do you need a climate council, and why now?
All councils share a purpose: to provide scientific and /or evidence based policy advice to government. But what are the conditions in your country or region that make a council so important, and why now? This could be an urgent need to accelerate a just transition, ensure science is mainstreamed in policymaking in an era of disinformation, or find consensus on difficult and polarising issues.
Case Study: Malta | Maltese Climate Action Authority and National Climate Council
Learn why the Maltese government set up a new governance structure to focus on climate
Recognising the urgent need for a coordinated, long-term approach to address climate change, the Maltese Government established the Climate Action Authority in 2024 (together with a National Climate Council) to lead on climate policy advice, but also regulatory implementation and integration.
Malta’s small size and island status make it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, necessitating a focused and agile institution that can guide the transition toward a climate-neutral and climate-resilient economy.
The Authority was set up to fill a critical gap between policy design and practical implementation, ensuring Malta meets its commitments under the European Green Deal and other international frameworks. Together, the Authority and Council play a central role in coordinating national efforts, engaging with stakeholders across sectors, and supporting the development of climate solutions grounded in evidence and equity.
Step 2:
Map the existing climate governance system.
What are the existing structures in place? What are the opportunities for improved climate governance?
Explore where a new council would complement or complicate the existing policy advice ecosystem. Is a new council required, or could you strengthen existing governance structures?
Case Study: European Union | European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change
Find out how the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change complements existing institutions and draws on the work of the IPCC and other international organisations
The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change was established by the European Climate Law to strengthen the EU’s climate governance system.
Mapping existing institutions in the EU policy ecosystem showed the absence of a permanent, independent scientific voice across sectors and institutions. The Advisory Board fills this gap by providing cross-sectoral expertise and independent scientific advice on EU climate targets and policies, progress towards climate neutrality, and the consistency of EU policies with the Paris Agreement.
The Advisory Board draws on the global work of the IPCC. It complements the analytical work of institutions such as the European Environment Agency by providing independent scientific advice.
Step 3:
Engage with key stakeholder groups and build momentum.
What are stakeholder drivers and incentives? How could a climate council serve those incentives?
Consider engagement with the following:
Politicians
- Map climate council objectives against current government priorities.
- Seek Parliamentary advocates from different parties, and show value to multiple ministries e.g., energy, climate and finance.
Civil Society
- Develop trust, transparency and accountability with the public and NGOs.
- Develop a media strategy.
Private Sector
- Map private sector alliances and work closely with those that will endorse a climate council.
- Understand private sector benefits e.g., international leadership and attracting investment. Watch our investor case study here.
Case Study: United Kingdom | Climate Change Committee
How building momentum allowed the UK CCC to be established
Timing can be everything when establishing a new governance structure like a climate council. In the UK, momentum domestically and internationally allowed for the first advisory body of its kind to be established in 2008.
Timing can be everything when establishing a new governance structure like a climate council. In the UK, momentum domestically and internationally allowed for the first advisory body of its kind to be established in 2008.
Case study body: The UK Climate Change Committee was established via the Climate Change Act in 2008. Academic research by the Grantham Institute looked at the key enabling factors that enabled the Act – and creation of the CCC – to pass into law. There were five main reasons:
- Domestic momentum, which was given a huge boost by hosting an international summit and trailing the proposal (the G8 summit in Gleneagles).
- International momentum, using outcomes and upcoming UN climate events to justify the proposal.
- A supportive opposition: parliamentarians are a crucial stakeholder and cross-party support was key in the UK.
- An ambitious Secretary of State, to convince the Prime Minister and cabinet colleagues.
- Proactive stakeholders: in particular, an active NGO ecosystem that campaigned for a strong proposal.
Case Study: Aotearoa New Zealand | He Pou a Rangi / Climate Change Commission
Learn about the campaign that led to creation of He Pou a Rangi
In some cases, a bottom-up approach from citizens can be instrumental to strengthening climate governance at the top. In Aotearoa New Zealand, the legislation establishing He Pou a Rangi was the result of a campaign from a wide range of civil society groups.
He Pou a Rangi provides a strong example of how engaging key stakeholders can build broad support for climate governance. From its inception, the Commission has prioritised cross-sector and cross-party engagement to ensure alignment with national priorities and to maintain legitimacy and impact.
The Commission was established under the Zero Carbon Act, passed in 2019 with near-unanimous parliamentary support. This legislation emerged from a campaign led by Generation Zero, a youth-led climate justice group, which mobilised backing from across society—including businesses, Māori organisations, civil society, and politicians across the political spectrum. Their inclusive approach was echoed by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment and responded to widespread calls for greater certainty on climate policy. Maintaining this collaborative spirit, the Commission continues to engage widely with Members of Parliament from all parties.