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The Climate Crisis Advisory Group (CCAG) today announces the appointment of three distinguished climate experts to the group:
Dr. Agnes Kalibata, former Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources for Rwanda, brings extensive expertise in sustainable agriculture and food systems transformation. Most recently, she served as President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), a position she held from 2014 to 2025.
During her time as Rwanda's Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources (2008 - 2014), Dr. Kalibata implemented a number of policies that significantly boosted the country's food security and agricultural resilience such as the Land Consolidation and Crop Intensification Program. As the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the 2021 Food Systems Summit, she led a global effort to transform food systems to be more inclusive and sustainable, catalyzing action towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Dr Kalibata has received numerous awards for her work and serves on several advisory boards.
Professor Tessa Hill is a distinguished oceanographer and climate scientist at the University of California, Davis, where she leads research on ocean acidification, climate change impacts on marine ecosystems, and solutions for coastal communities.
As a Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences and at the Bodega Marine Laboratory, her groundbreaking work on the effects of ocean acidification on marine organisms has been pivotal in understanding climate change's impact on ocean health. Professor Hill has published over 60 peer reviewed scientific papers and a book on ocean change, and has served on numerous advisory panels, including the California Academy of Sciences and Society for Science.
Mark New is a professor and research chair at the University of Cape Town. His appointment to the group will bring expertise in climate change detection, processes, scenarios, impacts and adaptation.
Mark served as the Director of the African Climate and Development Institute between 2011 and 2014 and won the Frontiers Planet Prize in 2023 for his research group’s work on climate impacts attribution. He was a member of the Science committee of the World Adaptation Science Programme until earlier this year and sits on the Science Review Group of the UK Met Office Hadley Centre. His research has made him a leading authority on climate change risk and adaptation.
Amid these appointments, Professor Nerilie Abraham will be stepping down as an advisor to the Climate Crisis Advisory Group.
Dr. Agnes Kalibata commented:
“Agriculture is at the centre of the climate crisis — both as a driver and as a solution. Our immediate need to deliver on the SDGs and our ability to secure a safe, liveable future, depend on how quickly we can transform food systems as one of the key sectors that drive emissions, at the same time we must ensure that those most exposed to climate impacts, particularly in vulnerable communities have the capacity to adapt and build resilience against the damage they face today. I’m proud to join CCAG to help push this urgent agenda forward.”
Professor Tessa Hill added:
"Marine ecosystems are both deeply affected by the climate crisis and integral to its solutions. Climate change and ocean acidification are rapidly reshaping these environments, and urgent action is needed to protect these vital ecosystems for future generations. I am thrilled to contribute to the important work of CCAG as we work together globally, across disciplines and backgrounds, to address the climate crisis. There is no better time to work on creative solutions at the interface of science and policy and I look forward to the progress we can make together as a CCAG team."
Professor Mark New also commented:
“I am excited to join CCAG at a critical turning point for the health of our planet. Taking a bold and ambitious approach to climate action in Africa, and around the world, is not just essential, but a win-win for human development. I look forward to helping CCAG play a crucial role in driving action with timely, science-based reporting.”
Sir David King, chair of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group, said:
"I am delighted to welcome Dr. Kalibata, Professor Hill and Professor New to CCAG. Their appointments significantly strengthen our expertise in three critical areas: food security, ocean systems and climate modelling.
“Dr. Kalibata’s leadership in agriculture and food systems transformation offers vital insights into one of the most critical sectors and vulnerable regions of our world, while Professor Hill's cutting-edge research on ocean acidification and marine climate impacts adds crucial dimensions to our understanding of climate change's full effects. I also welcome Professor New’s expertise on the assessment of climate risk and adaptation planning, that is so crucial for scenario planning and mitigation.
“All of our new members share our commitment to translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions for addressing the climate crisis. Their perspectives will be essential as we continue to advise the public, private sector and government organisations on the urgent actions needed to secure a liveable future for all."
The Climate Crisis Advisory Group now comprises 18 world-leading climate experts from a diverse range of disciplines, working together to provide science-based guidance to addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
