Last year, the ICCN commissioned the World Resources Institute (WRI) to explore the role of climate advisory bodies in supporting effective climate policy. The report summarises key lessons, challenges, and successes from a series of in-depth case studies of climate advisory functions in six different countries (Finland, New Zealand, UK, India, Mexico, South Africa, and Ireland). The report was used to inform discussions at initial ICCN meetings held in 2021.
Key Recommendations:
- Advisory bodies should be provided with an official, and if appropriate, legal mandate and the resources necessary to provide effective advice and scrutiny on climate action. The roles and responsibilities of the advisory body and government, and procedures for their engagement, should be transparently outlined.
- Advisory bodies should apply the latest science and robust analytical methods to inform evidence-based advice and assessments.
- Advisory bodies should select members with deep technical expertise, who are leaders in their respective fields spanning a range of subject areas most relevant to enabling climate action. Members should enjoy strong public and stakeholder trust and act in an objective capacity.
- Advisory bodies should build in a role for high-profile leaders suited to the national context and political system of the country.
- Advisory bodies should establish appropriate and transparent stakeholder processes to engage key actors responsible for climate policy implementation, including subnational and regional governments and the private sector, to better support development and implementation of recommendations.
- Advisory bodies have experience in a range of challenges and topics. Where one entity is struggling, another may be making progress. Therefore, advisory bodies should consider targeted exchange and outreach to their peers.