At the conclusion of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro last year, President Lula of Brazil proposed the establishment of a ‘Climate Change Council’ (the Council).

While the proposal was not fully elaborated, reportedly the Council would be established under the UN with the purpose of supporting the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), including by accelerating the implementation of the Paris Agreement through stronger governance, expedited decision making, coordination of key actors, fragmented processes and mechanisms, and raising climate finance.

The intention is for the Council to be established in 2026 by a resolution of the UN General Assembly (GA). There is precedent for such an approach; for example, the establishment of the Human Rights Council.

This paper considers some of the issues and options related to the establishment of a Council.

Questions for Consideration

• Is there a case for a new Council?
• If yes, what specific functions would it perform and what value would it add?
• Where and how should the Council be established?