A blueprint for action: lifting the lid on what public engagement looks like in practice
Well-designed public engagement is essential to tackling the climate crisis. Policymakers, local authorities, funders and civil society know this.
But many don’t know exactly what it looks like, or how to do it.
We’ve gathered fourteen inspirational examples. They show the breadth and power of public engagement. They bring to life what it can look like in different contexts. Together, they show us that public engagement:
- Is taking place everywhere from football stadiums to art galleries to council chambers. It’s diverse, and replicable. Effective climate engagement can happen anywhere.
- Empowers citizens to influence, not just accept, policies that affect their futures. When people are brought into the conversation, they become powerful agents of change.
- Is the foundation of effective policy. With increasing polarisation and economic hardship, people-centered, inclusive policy making must not be a luxury or afterthought.
These examples reveal the hallmarks of effective public engagement.
It thrives on partnership. Collaboration between large and small institutions, committed individuals and local communities is a golden thread.
It creates emotional and cultural connections. Emotional engagement is a precursor to involvement and change.
It’s inclusive. When marginalized voices are centered, climate action becomes more just and effective.
It fosters agency to move from awareness to action. Increases in understanding and action happen when people feel that they are part of something that can actually make a difference, whether to policy and structures or the actions of individuals.
It creates space for meaningful deliberation. This can take more time than tokenistic consultation but it yields deeper insights and trust.
It builds legacy and capacity. Strong community networks and institutions can improve the impact of public engagement. They can also be the result of effective public engagement.
The full report provides a blueprint to think expansively—and inclusively—about how to engage people in climate action.
Reports & guides
Everywhere and anywhere: a snapshot of public engagement case studies
Public engagement is being driven by councils, community groups, art collectives, and energy companies. There is no perfect, or one-size-fits all approach, but a wealth of impact happening locally regionally, and nationally.
- Northern Ireland’s electricity grid operator created a community sounding board to advise on new infrastructure. By listening to views early in the process, and building trust, locations for the new substation and overhead lines were agreed.
- Barnet assembled residents aged 12 to 90 to explore and advise on climate and nature policy. The process fostered deep learning and community buy-in within the financial realities of local government.
- Kendal citizens deliberated on how their town should tackle climate change. Partly crowdfunded, the process embedded climate change as a core tenet of council work and created a permanent physical eco-hub.
- Medway council used theatre to break down hierarchies that can prevent meaningful dialogue. The process built trust, confidence and led to improved service design.
- North West England’s electricity operator formed a ‘plugged-in public panel’ to
shape its long-term business strategy. Impacts included more tree planting and more support for people in poverty. - Hull used art to increase awareness of flood risk and climate change. Tapping into identity and local pride, immersive storytelling stirred an emotional response in the 11,000 visitors, many of whom reported shifts in thinking and action.
- Camden helped households save money after hearing that residents’ top concern was the cost of living. High-street spaces became hubs for learning and sharing. WhatsApp groups and residents’ own YouTube videos shared energy-saving tips.
- Enfield tackled flooding through volunteering, citizen science, and involving thousands of local school children. It demonstrated how hands-on participation can restore ecosystems, reduce pollution and increase wellbeing.
- Bristol enabled marginalized people to lead climate action by working with community partners. Opening up discussions to a more representative group of Bristolians improved mental wellbeing and reduced isolation. It shaped a replicable model for community action, including the UK’s first climate action plan written with, by and for Disabled people.
- In Gwent solar panels have been installed on churches, schools, community centres and lifeboat stations thanks to a model of community investment and support. This has saved money and emissions through sustained, trusted relationships.
- Football fandom has become a vehicle for climate action. Starting at a single tournament, Pledgeball helps fans overcome climate paralysis through community, communication and action to reduce emissions at an individual and club level.
- Scotland diversified the organisations benefiting from its government climate funding. Flexible funding and support for applicants meant money reached a wider range of people. It’s made climate action accessible to migrant communities, and helped Muslim women and children embrace energy efficiency and sustainable transport.
- Across Europe citizens have assembled to learn and deliberate about climate change. 200 different citizens’ assemblies and juries across Europe have tasked people who reflect the wider population to help shape a range of climate strategies. This has also had a profound impact on the citizens involved who have made changes to their jobs, travel, food, homes, and buying habits. Some have gone on to stand for elected office.
- Participatory budgeting approaches worldwide show the range of ways citizens can decide directly on how a public budget is spent. This is especially effective in areas with an organised civil society.
See the full report for more details on each example.
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