Climate Governance Initiative Australia

Helping directors strengthen climate governance in the boardroom 

About the initiative

Since 2021, the AICD has hosted the Climate Governance Initiative (CGI) Australia, part of the Chapter Zero Alliance of more than 35 groups worldwide. The initiative helps boards navigate the governance implications of climate change, including the energy transition, nature-related impacts and organisational resilience.

Climate governance is an increasingly important boardroom responsibility, and directors are being asked to oversee a broader range of risks, opportunities and strategic decisions. CGI Australia supports directors to deepen their understanding of these issues and strengthen board oversight in a rapidly changing operating environment. 

Mission and impact

Our ambition is to support directors to govern climate-related risks and opportunities with confidence and effectiveness. Through education, events, research and director engagement, we support boards to strengthen their oversight of climate-related issues and their implications for strategy, resilience and performance. 

Global network, local insights

Connecting Australian directors to an international network of non-executive directors, bringing broad insights and perspectives to local boardroom discussions.

Education and director learning

Building capability through webinars, events, case studies and our annual Climate Governance Forum, helping directors navigate emerging challenges and opportunities.

Research and governance insights

Developing guidance, research and commentary that informs board practice, contributes to policy discussions and supports better governance outcomes.

Our hosting of the Climate Governance Initiative (CGI) Australia, and production of tailored resources, events and educational offerings, underscores our commitment to support directors in this critical area of contemporary governance.

Mark Rigotti FAICD
Managing Director and CEO, AICD

Our advisory council

The AICD works closely with senior non-executive directors and partner organisations through the CGI Australia Advisory Council. The Advisory Council provides strategic guidance on the initiative's priorities and activities. Non-executive directors form the majority of the Advisory Council, alongside representatives from the AICD and partner organisations including PwC, Deloitte, Herbert Smith Freehills, MinterEllison and Pollination. 

  • Geoff Summerhayes GAICD (Chair)
  • Penny Bingham-Hall FAICD (Deputy Chair)
  • Jillian Broadbent AC
  • Michael Coleman FAICD
  • Ken Dean FAICD
  • Naomi Edwards FAICD
  • Andrew Fraser GAICD
  • Ming Long AM GAICD
  • Diane Smith-Gander AO FAICD
  • David Thodey AO FAICD
  • Michael Ullmer AO FAICD
  • Dr Katherine Woodthorpe AO FAICD
  • Louise Petschler GAICD (AICD)
  • Timothy Stutt / Mark Smyth (Herbert Smith Freehills)
  • Tom Imbesi / Rebekah Cheney GAICD (Deloitte)
  • John O'Donoghue GAICD (PwC)
  • Paul Schoff MAICD / Keith Rovers (MinterEllison)

Secretary

Kulja Coulston GAICD, Senior Policy Adviser, AICD

Climate Governance Forum 2026

Climate and energy governance is evolving rapidly, bringing new risks, expectations and opportunities. Join us in Melbourne for director and expert-led insights, peer roundtables, and case-study discussions. You’ll have the chance to test thinking, challenge perspectives and build capability for the decisions that matter.

Find out more

Learn more about climate governance

Explore practical guidance, research and expert insights to support board oversight of climate-related risks and opportunities. 

Our latest resources

Nature enters the boardroom. <p>Australia’s first study to examine how boards are beginning to consider nature in their governance, strategy and risk oversight.</p>
Governing for net zero: The board's role in organisational transition planning. <p>Practical guidance for boards navigating climate transition planning</p>
Principles for setting climate targets: A guide for Australian boards. <p>The 10 guiding principles for target setting have been created to help Australian boards establish climate targets and manage associated risks.</p>
A director’s guide to mandatory climate reporting | Version 2. <p>Practical guidance for directors overseeing their organisations’ disclosures under Australia’s mandatory climate reporting laws.</p>
Opportunities in the circular economy: A primer for Australian directors. <p>An introduction to circular economy practices and business models for Australian boards.</p>
Climate change science snapshot: An overview for Australian directors. <p>As climate risks intensify, clear, science-based insights support Australian directors in guiding strategic decision making.</p>
Explore climate governance resources
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