Emma Pinchbeck announced as the new Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee

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 in early 2025 and the fourth Climate Change Risk 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 …
… 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 …
… 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 …
… 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 …
… 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."

Notes to editors

• Emma Pinchbeck will not be doing interviews on behalf of the CCC until she begins the role. If you wish to request an interview, please contact us on the details below.
• The CCC will be publishing it's response to Secretary of State Ed Miliband's request for advice on the setting of the 2035 NDC on Saturday 26 October. This will be sent to press under embargo on Friday 25 October. If you wish to schedule an interview with a spokesperon from the CCC, please contact us on the details below.
• The CCC will be publishing the Seventh Carbon Budget on Wednesday 26 Februray 2025.
• The CCC will be publishing the Adaptation Progress Report for England on Wedneday 30 April 2025.
• The CCC will be publsihing the Mitigation Progress Report for the UK on Wednesday 25 June 2025.