Founded in 1985, under the auspices of the Royal Society of Canada, the CGCP has evolved into an interdisciplinary and multi-agency network that spans the country. It brings together scientists as well as specialists from the humanities to plan interdisciplinary research, assess the significance of this research in a policy context, and communicate the findings to those who need to know.

The CGCP is characterized by its independent, non-government status, its combination of the scientific and human dimensions of global change, its access to worldwide networks of collaborating organizations, its focus on issues that have universal relevance, and its access to Canadian expertise that can be brought to bear on these issues.

Core funding for the CGCP is provided by the federal government. Additional funds and other support are provided by foundations, provincial governments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations and federal research agencies.

CGCP activities are guided by a volunteer Board of Directors of experienced scientists, decision makers, and communicators drawn from all sectors of Canadian society. The Board is organized into executive, research and communications committees.

A small secretariat, based in the offices of the Royal Society of Canada, in Ottawa, coordinates the activities of the CGCP.