The Climate Change Authority, on the opening day of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, has joined climate councils around the world in announcing a new collaboration: the International Climate Councils Network (ICCN).
"As an Authority that has been providing independent advice since our establishment in 2012, we are pleased to join with a range of similar organisations around the world as we seek, within our jurisdictions and collaboratively across nations, to advise on reducing global emissions," said Brad Archer, CEO, Climate Change Authority.
Participants in the ICCN provide evidence-based, expert advice and assessments to guide the delivery of effective Government-led action to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
"Australia has world class infrastructure that can be leveraged as part of the support we offer other nations. It comprises the various bodies that regulate, invest in, report against, and advise Government on climate change. They include the Emissions Reduction Fund/Climate Solutions Fund architecture, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme, and the Clean Energy Regulator," Mr Archer said.
Bringing together expertise on how to close the emissions and adaptation gaps, including by acting as focal points for consultation, ICCN Councils offer evidence-based analysis and advice in support of climate change action.
The open letter, signed by Mr Archer on behalf of the Climate Change Authority, calls on governments who have not yet adopted the model of expert independent advisory climate bodies into their national climate change laws to do so; with ICCN members ready to assist and advise based on our collective experiences.
The ICCN is the first of its kind, with the Climate Change Authority joining climate councils from Chile and Costa Rica to Canada in the Americas to Sweden, Finland and the United Kingdom in Europe, to South Africa, and New Zealand, among others. A short video introducing the ICCN can be viewed here.
