Climate governance resources for boards

Explore AICD's climate governance resources, education programs, events and insights to support board oversight of climate-related risks, opportunities and strategy. 

About climate governance

Climate governance is how a board oversees the risks, opportunities and strategic implications of climate change as part of its core responsibilities for strategy, risk and financial oversight. Effective climate governance does not require every director to be a climate expert, but it does require boards to ensure climate considerations are appropriately reflected in oversight and decision making.

This includes understanding physical risks, such as extreme weather and supply chain disruption, and transition risks arising from changes in energy systems, policy, technology, markets and stakeholder expectations. It also increasingly encompasses nature-related risks, recognising the close relationship between climate and the natural systems organisations depend on.

Through its role as host of the Climate Governance Initiative Australia, the AICD works with leading directors and partner organisations to inform its climate governance courses and resources.

Climate short courses

AICD offers a range of learning options, from short self-paced modules through to facilitated programs and tailored organisation-wide learning. Whether you are looking to build foundational climate literacy or develop deeper board-level capability, there is a learning option to suit your needs.

Climate Governance for Australian Directors. <p>A facilitated four-week online course (2 hours per week). Build deeper board-level capability on climate governance, including director duties, regulation, and emerging risks and opportunities. </p>
Introduction to Climate Governance. <p>A self-paced 2-hour e-learning module.&nbsp;Build foundational climate literacy and understand the key climate-related concepts and responsibilities relevant to boards.&nbsp;

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Explore all courses. <p>Looking for&nbsp;additional&nbsp;learning opportunities? Explore AICD's climate webinars,&nbsp;events&nbsp;and on-demand content, featuring expert perspectives on climate governance, disclosure,&nbsp;strategy&nbsp;and risk.</p>

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

Climate governance resources

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 all climate governance resources

These featured resources are just a starting point. Explore AICD's broader collection of reports, research, articles, webinars, survey findings and practical tools to help boards navigate climate, energy and nature-related governance issues. 

Explore all resources

Climate in Focus newsletter

Climate in Focus is AICD's monthly newsletter for directors on climate, energy and nature-related issues. Stay up to date with key policy and market developments, exclusive articles and analysis, and the latest AICD events, resources and announcements.

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