Engaging communities in the net zero agenda

Following a successful first evidence session last month led by chair Lord Watson of Wyre Forest and co-chair Professor Lucelia Rodrigues, our policy commission held its second evidence session which focused on the role communities can play in driving transition to a low-carbon economy. 

On Thursday 16th May, our policy commission on a just transition to net zero held its second witness session at the Wellcome Collection in London, with insightful contributions from witnesses on how to engage communities in the net-zero agenda and the strategies that can be used to engage people from different localities and demographics.

Witnesses from the University of Nottingham, the University of Lancaster, Climate Outreach, Onward, Community Energy South, National Energy Action, and The Centre for Local Economic Strategies discussed the role and position of communities within three separate sessions.

One common theme that stood out throughout the session was the importance of early and sustained communication with various impacted communities. Particularly, witnesses considered and highlighted the importance of promoting informed consent and efforts to tackle misinformation surrounding policies and developments to reduce polarisation and maintain trust with communities. In the same vein, witnesses discussed deliberative democracy. Witnesses explored the role of citizen assemblies, juries and panels in relation to public engagement strategies, understanding local concerns and the normalisation of long-term intergenerational net zero goals.

Witnesses also looked at lessons learnt from previous community led projects and local level engagement. They discussed how high levels of social cohesion can bring about various benefits and pointed out the important roles that local and faith-based leaders play in mobilising people.

Thank you to our commissioners from the following organisations for their lines of inquiry: Aldersgate Group, Trades Union Congress, European Climate Foundation, University of Nottingham, Midlands Net Zero Hub, and HyDEX.

We are looking forward to our third inquiry session next month which will further explore the notion of a just transition, with a particular focus on the structures and processes needed for a just transition.