The Climate Change Committee (CCC) is an independent, statutory body established under the Climate Change Act 2008. Our purpose is to advise the UK and devolved governments on emissions targets and to report to Parliament on progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

The Climate Change Act formalised the UK’s approach to tackling climate change – both on mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation (increasing resilience to climate change). It established the Climate Change Committee to ensure that the assessment of progress and advice provided can be evidence-based, independently assessed and long term in its advice. Under the Climate Change Act 2008, the Committee is required to produce statutory reports to Government and Parliament. The key reports are:

Advice on carbon budgets and long-term emissions targets

Progress reports on meeting carbon budgets and targets

An assessment of UK climate change risks

Progress reports on adapting and preparing for climate change

In addition, Ministers can request CCC advice on specific issues and topics. Our conclusions, analysis, and underlying data are all available in the publications section of this website. CCC recommendations are frequently referenced in the Northern Ireland, Scotland, UK, and Welsh parliaments and assemblies. They are also commonly a source of information for business and industry, academia, the national and international media and, increasingly, the public. Climate Change Committee members are appointed by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, with Adaptation Committee members appointed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.