Talking about... consulting people on climate change and nature

Two tips for talking with Progressive Activists:

• Progressive Activists care deeply about these issues and feel it should be a priority. But they struggle to believe we’re doing enough and that governments will act sufficiently. With that in mind, this segment would prefer to be consulted but also feel it’s important for our leaders to ‘get on with it’.
• Talk about how consultation is a chance to make local development more inclusive and accessible. Show that this is an essential part of how we make progress on climate, emphasising that governments can show moral and political leadership on net zero by hearing views from local residents.

Two tips for talking with Incrementalist Left:

• Incrementalist Left care deeply about these issues. They favour improving the status quo over radical change and are already getting on with action in their communities. They want to have a say whilst still seeing action as a collective endeavour.
• Talk about consultation as a way for communities to have their voices heard and share their expertise on what works for their local areas.

Two tips for talking with Established Liberals:

• Established Liberals are concerned about climate change and support moving fast with ambitious leadership on climate change, but a majority would still want to be consulted. They are fairly optimistic about the future and are proud of Britain’s role as a global leader. 
• Talk about consultation as a robust method of hearing from society as a whole, whilst emphasising that leaders can be trusted to make effective and informed decisions. Emphasise the innovative ways Britain is already leading the way and how hearing from local communities can bring about more positive change.

Two tips for talking with Sceptical Scrollers:

• Sceptical Scrollers know climate change is happening and are concerned, but they approach life with more scepticism generally. They want leaders who stick to their principles and promises, and are up for radical change to address society’s big problems, especially at a local level. They are more split on whether leaders should trust their instincts and move forward with plans, or take the time to consult local residents on things that will affect local areas. 
• Talk about consultation as a way to a wide range of views in the community, and how their voices are important in this. Emphasise how leaders can stick to their promises and principles whilst still consulting locals. Consultation should be talked about as a way to effectively improve our local areas, bringing benefits to local communities that are informed by those who will see and live those benefits. 

Two tips for talking with Rooted Patriots:

• Rooted Patriots want ambitious action on climate change, with a focus on what’s local and fair, rather than what’s happening globally. They are proud of Britain and its past and want a sensible, measured approach to change. They are much more likely to want to be consulted even if this slows down development processes.
• Show that engaging in consultation processes is a way to share what they want to see happen in the local area, to discuss what fair and sensible approaches look like to them. Create clear processes for keeping them in the loop so it is clear that the consultation is meaningful.

Two tips for talking with Traditional Conservatives:

• Traditional Conservatives place high importance on respecting our environment, but are less sold on net zero which they associate with a loss of freedom. They prefer gradual, incremental change that retains the way of life they cherish. They are the most likely, along with Dissenting Disruptors, to want to be consulted even if this slows down development processes.
• Talk about how engaging in consultation processes is a way to safeguard and respect the things they hold dear – to discuss what matters to them most. Talk about how consultation will truly inform development processes before they go ahead, and bring to life what the consultation process will look like in local areas.

Two tips for talking with Dissenting Disruptors:

• Dissenting Disruptors think climate change is an important issue, but they have strong fairness concerns when it comes to net zero, and don’t trust that leaders will take ordinary people into account. They feel very disconnected from society and frustrated with the status quo. They are the most likely, along with Traditional Conservatives, to want to be consulted even if this slows down development processes.
• Show how consultation is a way to take British people’s worries and concerns into account. How this process will give voice to ordinary people and communities, to discuss what fair approaches look like to them. Talk about consultation as a way to include this segment authentically – how their voices are important in this.