Emma Pinchbeck will be joining the Climate Change Committee as Chief Executive from 11 November.
Emma will oversee the publication of the Seventh Carbon Budget advice in early 2025 and the fourth Climate Change Risk Assessment independent assessment in 2026.
These outline the carbon emission limit for the period of 2038 – 2042 and how to respond to the climate risks faced in the UK respectively. The Committee delivers this work for the Governments of the UK, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Emma has a widely recognised credibility and influence on decarbonising the UK energy sector. As CEO of Energy UK, she has expertise in handling technical analysis and policy debate over energy sector decarbonisation. She has brought a notably objective approach to the discussion of decarbonising UK energy and has strong relationships within the climate and energy sectors.
Emma will be supporting Professor Piers Forster in his current role as interim Chair and Baroness Brown as Chair of the Adaptation Committee.
Professor Piers Forster, interim Chair of the Climate Change Committee, said: “The Committee is incredibly excited for Emma to join as Chief Executive later this year. We’ve got important advice to give that needs to focus minds and accelerate delivery. Emma is the ideal person to help us do this, complementing the brilliant collection of analytical experts we already have on staff.
“Climate action needs to speed up across the economy. Emma’s knowledge of the transition within the energy sector and her experience of working with the private sector will be help us analyse the success of the Government’s plans to decarbonise the power system. This is needed to underline the roll out of EVs, heat pumps, and industrial decarbonisation at the pace we need them.
“I’d like to offer my heartfelt thanks to Dr James Richardson, who has been our Acting Chief Executive since Chris Stark stepped down. It has been a crucial period of analytical development in the organisation, and we wouldn’t be in such a strong position if not for his tireless dedication.”
Baroness Brown, Chair of the Adaptation Committee, said: “The Adaptation Committee is looking forward to Emma’s start as Chief Executive of the CCC. Emma has demonstrated a real knowledge and understanding of the broader climate landscape, as well as expertise in the energy sector. Her critical infrastructure sector and industry experience will help us in the development our work on adaptation, and what it means for the country to adjust to a warming world.
“I’m personally pleased to welcome Emma as the first female Chief Executive of the CCC. The organisation has always been a champion for women working in analysis and economics, and it’s fantastic to see that reflected in the most senior role on the Secretariat.
“I would like to add my thanks to Dr Richardson who has made some excellent inputs into our adaptation work in his period as Acting Chief Executive.”
Secretary of State for the Department for Net Zero and Energy Security, Ed Miliband, said: “We are almost halfway through the decisive decade to halt climate change. Emma is joining the Climate Change Committee at a pivotal point, and following her leadership at Energy UK, is well placed to advise and challenge government on our net zero goals – ensuring we meet our climate commitments with ambition and urgency.
“Emma’s extensive experience brings a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by industry, underscoring how the economics of clean energy are now aligned with climate policy, driving both environmental protection and economic growth.
“I look forward to working closely with Emma and the Climate Change Committee to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of tackling climate change.”
Emma Pinchbeck, incoming Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee, said: “I’m delighted to be joining the team as the Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee. The Committee serves a rare role – it both advises the Government of the day and holds it to account against the targets it has committed to. My predecessors have navigated that path incredibly well, and I look forward to doing the same.
“We are behind on our national targets, and time is running out to catch up with delivery. The Committee’s advice to Government on our international contribution to tackling emissions is being prepared for the climate negotiations this autumn, and our advice to Government on the Seventh Carbon Budget will be published in Spring. It is a busy time for the Committee, and I look forward to getting up to speed.
“I take the opportunity to influence the UK’s progress on reducing emissions incredibly seriously, and to support Government make this transition in the way that most benefits people and the economy. You can expect the CCC to have much to say about this going forward.”
