Nepal’s recent flash floods have renewed concerns about the country’s preparedness for climate risks. As it faces growing adaptation challenges while expanding its clean energy potential, a climate council could provide independent scientific advice, strengthen accountability and support long-term policymaking. Republica contributor Simone Galimberti spoke to Ben Rhodes, head of the secretariat of the International Climate Councils Network (ICCN), hosted by the climate policy think tank E3G in London, about how climate councils work and what Nepal could learn from international experience. Excerpts:
What is a climate council, and how would it differ from Nepal’s existing institutions?
Climate councils are expert bodies with an official mandate to advise governments on climate policy. The ICCN has 31 members across the world, representing every continent except Antarctica. Besides providing scientific advice, many councils monitor government progress, bring stakeholders together and help coordinate climate action. They focus specifically on climate change and draw expertise from academia, civil society and the private sector. Although officially mandated, they generally retain some independence and operate through transparent reporting arrangements. However, there is no single model suitable for every country. Nepal must decide what works best for its own circumstances.
How important is independence, and what makes a climate council effective?
Independence is important, but it does not guarantee influence. If governments ignore a council’s advice, its impact will be limited. The challenge is to balance independence with a formal relationship with government. Around 90 per cent of our members are established by law, helping them operate beyond political cycles. Many also maintain formal links with parliament, allowing elected representatives to scrutinise government progress. Effectiveness depends on appointing qualified experts, publishing advice transparently and requiring governments to respond to recommendations. The public should be able to see who serves on the council, what advice it provides and how the government responds.
Can you share examples of climate councils influencing policy, including in developing countries?
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During the latest round of nationally determined contributions (NDCs), 19 ICCN members provided direct advice. Governments in the European Union, Australia and the United Kingdom followed their councils’ advice on climate targets. In Australia, the council advised on expanding solar energy and financial incentives for renewable energy systems. Approximately one in three Australian households now has rooftop solar.
Climate councils are also relevant to developing countries. South Africa’s Presidential Climate Commission advised on the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, which received an initial $8.5 billion in donor funding and aims to mobilise up to $95 billion in private investment. The commission is also developing approaches to adaptation and resilience investment.
Vanuatu’s National Advisory Board on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction combines advisory responsibilities with certain policymaking functions. In Guatemala, university-based experts contribute scientific advice to the government. These examples show that councils can be tailored to a country’s resources, institutional capacity and priorities.
What could a climate council help Nepal achieve, particularly on adaptation and climate finance?
A council could advise on adaptation, mitigation, climate finance, a just transition, and loss and damage. Its priorities should reflect Nepal’s needs and the gaps in its existing governance system. It could also help develop stronger proposals for international climate finance and identify projects aligned with national climate objectives. The NDC Partnership and the Green Climate Fund’s Readiness Programme may offer potential avenues for support, subject to eligibility and proposal requirements. The first step is to assess what Nepal’s current institutions are doing well, where gaps remain and what additional expertise or coordination is needed.
How can a council remain independent while ensuring the government acts on its advice?
A council needs a clear mechanism for government responses. One option is to require the government to respond publicly to its recommendations, explaining which it accepts and why it rejects others. For example, a council could publish an annual assessment of progress against climate commitments, with the government required to respond within a specified period, such as three months. This would establish a cycle of advice, response and accountability. A formal link to a government ministry can also help maintain engagement without compromising the independence of council members. Beyond government, councils can inform public debate and help businesses understand climate risks and plan investments.
What would Nepal need to get right when establishing a climate council?
Nepal should first identify the gaps a new institution would address. Several elements are essential. The council needs a long-term mandate, supported by a legal framework where appropriate, to ensure continuity beyond political cycles. Its membership, advice and reports should be publicly accessible, and its relationship with government and parliament should be clearly defined. Expertise must match national priorities. If adaptation and resilience are central concerns, the council needs relevant scientific and technical knowledge. If investment mobilisation is a priority, financial and investment-planning expertise would also be valuable. It also needs a capable secretariat to coordinate experts, prepare reports, communicate findings and engage stakeholders. The model should reflect Nepal’s circumstances rather than simply copy another country’s approach.
Would establishing a climate council be expensive, and could international partners help fund it?
Costs depend on the model. South Africa has a relatively large secretariat of around 50 to 60 staff, supported by government and philanthropic funding. Ukraine has received climate finance from the UK government to help fund its council. Nepal could explore potential support through mechanisms such as the NDC Partnership or the Green Climate Fund’s Readiness Programme, depending on eligibility and the strength of its proposals.
The long-term benefits also matter. Global studies suggest that every dollar invested in adaptation can generate around $10 in benefits over ten years. A relatively small secretariat could help improve investment planning, reduce risks and strengthen resilience.
Could a climate council help Nepal expand clean energy while managing climate risks? What message would you give policymakers?
Climate councils have played an important role in energy-transition planning. In New Zealand, the Climate Change Commission has recognised hydropower as the backbone of the electricity system. In Canada, the Canadian Climate Institute has examined economic electrification and the need for cleaner, more flexible electricity grids. These experiences could inform Nepal’s efforts to expand clean energy while strengthening climate resilience. A council could help assess energy development, investment needs and climate objectives together.
I would not want to tell Nepal’s government or people what they should do, but we are here to help. Our experience shows that climate councils can support investment, reduce risks and create political space for climate action. We would welcome engagement with Nepal’s stakeholders to explore a model suited to the country’s needs. The priority is to ensure that any institution established has the expertise, resources and influence to make a meaningful contribution.
