UK: Chris Stark will leave the Climate Change Committee (CCC) after serving as chief executive for the past six years.
He will be joining the Carbon Trust as chief executive later this year.
Stark has led the CCC since April 2018, and has been the chief climate adviser to Government and Parliament over a period where the UK has substantially extended its climate ambitions, in response to the Committee’s advice.
Under Stark’s leadership, the CCC recommended a UK Net Zero target for greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and Net Zero was put into law under prime minister Theresa May, making the UK the first major economy in the world to do so.
In 2020, the CCC provided independent advice on the detailed path to Net Zero for the UK, in the Sixth Carbon Budget advice.
The UK’s Sixth Carbon Budget was legislated by prime minister Boris Johnson’s Government, in June 2021 and that year the CCC published the UK’s third Climate Change Risk Assessment.
This outlined the priorities for the governments of the UK, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland to respond to the climate risks faced in the UK.
Stark, who is also an honorary professor at Glasgow University and sits on the boards of the V&A Dundee and climate charity Murmur said: “It’s been a privilege to lead the Climate Change Committee team over such an important period. I’m so proud of the analysis and advice we have produced in the last six years.
“The dedication and professionalism of the CCC team, coupled with the vast knowledge of our Committee members are central to the organisation’s success. The CCC is in great shape for its next phase of work. I’ll continue to be one of its loudest supporters.”
Simon McWhirter, deputy chief executive of UK Green Building Council said: “Chris Stark’s refreshing vigour and candid approach has been a real beacon in the crucial CCC role, as an exceptional champion for our sustainable future over an immensely challenging period. His bravery in – tactfully – holding various Governments to account has helped empower and embolden the rest of us to sustain vital momentum towards a greener future.”
The recruitment for the next chief executive of the Climate Change Committee will be advertised later this month.
Stark’s final day in the role will be Friday, April 26.
The CCC’s chief economist James Richardson, will serve as interim chief executive until a permanent replacement is recruited.
Check out our FOCUS on the UKGBC below
Image supplied