Activities at URC are interdisciplinary and can therefore not be easily divided into independent areas. However, for the sake of simplicity, activities have been classified into three convening themes:

The Climate Theme deals with Kyoto mechanisms, scientific assessments (within IPCC and other), support within UNFCCC (to Secretariat, UNEP and countries), and climate policy on mitigation and adaptation.

The Energy Theme relates to financing, renewables and efficiency, institutional reform, energy access and rural energy, and general planning, modelling and policy.

The Sustainable Development Theme includes sector specific activities (e.g. transportation), development strategies and sustainability indicators.