Topping is new chair of the Climate Change Committee

Nigel Topping CMG has been appointed chair of the Climate Change Committee (CCC) by the UK Government.

Following a pre-appointment hearing with the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee and members of the Environmental Audit Committee on July 16, Topping was approved for the appointment and started the role on 23 July. 

Topping has served on the CCC since May 2023. Prior to that he served as the UN’s Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP26, and as the UNFCCC’s Global Ambassador on the ‘Race to Zero’ and the ‘Race to Resilience’. He also brings nearly 20 years’ experience in the private sector to the role. 

Topping will succeed Professor Piers Forster, who has served as interim chair for the past two years. He will also be working alongside Baroness Brown, chair of the Adaptation Committee.  

Professor Piers Forster, interim chair of the Climate Change Committee said: “I have really enjoyed chairing the committee across a change of government and want to thank the many people who supported me. I welcome the arrival of Nigel as permanent chair – his vast experience of working with the private sector will be invaluable to grow the role of business in the energy and land-use transition. I look forward to working alongside him and continuing to serve as a member of the committee.” 

Nigel Topping, incoming chair of the CCC, said: “It is an honour to be appointed chair of the Climate Change Committee at this pivotal moment. The UK has an opportunity to deliver on its climate commitments in a way that reduces costs for households, powers our industries forward, and makes our economy more successful. It’s also important to ensure resilience against growing climate impacts and I look forward to working with Baroness Brown who leads our adaptation work.    

“I’d like to offer my sincere thanks to Professor Piers Forster, who has been our interim chair since Lord Deben stepped down. He has led the Committee through an incredibly busy period overseeing advice on the UK’s Seventh Carbon Budget, three devolved carbon budgets, and a number of key progress reports to government.   
“I am committed to upholding the rigour and independent nature of the committee’s advice, while harnessing our country’s wealth of scientific, financial and business talent.”