The Climate Overshoot Commission is the result of a high-level process that explored the necessary conditions for holding a robust and science-based global dialogue on governance gaps relating to response options to climate change beyond emissions reductions. Initial discussions supported by the Paris Peace Forum, UCLA, and Harvard University led to the creation of a Steering Committee. It considered steps to address these gaps and propose ways to build knowledge and shared understanding regarding the novel governance challenges. After more than a year of deliberations, the Steering Committee suggested the formation of a Global Commission on Governing Risks from Climate Overshoot.
The Commission and its Secretariat were formed in early 2022.