New CCC Chair Nigel Topping: Net Zero Could Propel the UK Economy

Image Credit: Climate Change Committee

Nigel Topping, best known for championing non-state actor engagement at COP26 in Glasgow, has officially been appointed as the new chair of the UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC), a key advisory body steering national climate strategy. His appointment, finalised on 22 July following scrutiny from MPs and ministers across the UK’s devolved administrations, arrives at what he calls a “pivotal moment.”

Topping elaborated: “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 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.”

The UK is uniquely positioned to meet its climate obligations in a way that lowers household costs, accelerates industrial competitiveness, and boosts economic performance, all while bolstering resilience to increasingly disruptive climate impacts.” He also noted his enthusiasm for working with Baroness Brown, who leads the CCC’s adaptation workstream.

Topping assumes the role later this week, succeeding interim chair Professor Piers Forster, who has held the post for over two years. During that time, Forster has overseen the committee’s Seventh Carbon Budget proposals and produced influential progress reports that have shaped UK climate policy. While stepping down as chair, Forster will remain a CCC member, continuing his academic work at the University of Leeds where he leads the Priestley Centre for Climate Futures and contributes to the IPCC’s research on climate physics.

Professor Forster said: “I have really enjoyed working with the Committee across a change of Government and want to thank the many people who have supported me. I welcome the arrival of Nigel as our 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.”

This leadership transition is the latest in a string of strategic changes at the CCC. Late last year, Emma Pinchbeck, an energy systems expert and former CEO of Energy UK, was named the CCC’s new chief executive after the government tapped Chris Stark to lead its Clean Power 2030 ‘Mission Control’ unit.

Topping brings a blend of corporate acumen and climate leadership to the role. Before pivoting to sustainability in 2007, he worked as a consultant in various sectors, including manufacturing and logistics. His environmental career began at CDP as Chief Innovation Officer, followed by a five-year tenure as CEO of the We Mean Business Coalition. This period saw critical support for the Paris Agreement.

In 2021, he rose to global prominence as the UN High-Level Climate Action Champion at COP26, mobilising businesses, cities, and civil society in support of international climate goals. He later continued his involvement with the UN as a Global Ambassador for climate mitigation and adaptation, and in 2023, joined the CCC as a business champion.

His new leadership role now places him at the centre of the UK’s efforts to navigate a complex, high-stakes energy transition, balancing the twin imperatives of economic growth and environmental stewardship.