The NESC Secretariat, at the request of the  The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, is undertaking analysis to inform the development of Irish climate change policy.

NESC has now published Report 125, in which it examines possible additional policy measures to encourage demand, flow of credit and employment growth.

NESC has now published Report 124, which examines standards and accountability in the provision of human services.

NESC has now published Report 126, in which it identifies how Ireland's forthcoming framework for sustainable development can be enhanced.

The NESC has published its latest report, Number 123, Supports and Services for Unemployed Jobseekers: Challenges and Opportunities in a Time of Recession.

In January 2012, the sustainable development role performed by Comhar, the Sustainable Development Council (SDC), was integrated into the work of the NESC.