"There is still time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, if we act now and act internationally"
Lord Stern

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About the OCC
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What we do

The Office of Climate Change (OCC) was set up in September 2006 and works across Government to support analytical work on climate change and the development of climate change policy and strategy. Many government departments are involved in tackling climate change, or in helping the UK and other countries adapt to its possible future impacts. The OCC is a shared resource for all departments.

The OCC's role is to:

  • Run policy focused projects on difficult cross-cutting issues
  • Programme manage (at a high level) the UK's climate change commitments
  • Consolidate analysis and co-ordinate between departments
  • Act as an advocate for climate change issues within government

Since the creation of the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) in October 2008 the role of the OCC has evolved. The OCC has become part of DECC, and will lead the development of the department’s overall strategy. However, because of the complexity of the climate change and energy challenge it will continue to retain a distinctive role and cross-cutting way of working, with other departments having a role in the Office’s funding and governance.

Who we work with

  • The Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra)
  • The Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR)
  • The Foreign Secretary (FCO)
  • The Secretary of State for International Development (DFID)
  • The Secretary of State for Transport (DfT)
  • The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Communities)

We have 45 staff, seconded from across government and outside government. We bring together project teams with relevant expertise to do focussed analytical work on challenging issues that cross departmental boundaries. We then present our recommendations to departments to take forward. We are funded by the departments we work for.

OCC Structure

Jonathan Brearley
Director

Stephen Muers
Head of Strategy

David Wagstaff
Head of Climate and Energy Programme

Graham Floater
Project Leader

David Thomas
Project Leader

Enquiries:
T:0300 060 4000
E:enquiries@decc.gsi.gov.uk

Page last modified: 05-05-09
Page published: 27-11-07

Office of Climate Change