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Community Engagement

The scale and nature involved in the level of change required to reach our net zero goals is huge.
 
It is vital that people are involved in both shaping the approach that policy makers take in their communities so that they feel ownership of this critical agenda and that they feel informed about how and why they can take personal action to reduce their own emissions.

UK Committee on Climate Change has recommended that the following actions and considerations are required to enable the strengthening of public and business engagement:

  • Policy makers need to develop narratives which inspire and mobilise participation in solutions, adoption of technologies and change in behaviours.
     
  • Government must create a wider context for public engagement enables consumers to take concrete action, by removing obstacles to change in markets and promoting informed choices.
     
  • Predicting the levels of change that will be delivered is difficult so Government needs to be pragmatic and open to engagement, monitor impact and learn about what works by acting
     
  • Policies need to be joined up and sequenced to deliver change in behaviours and markets, avoid negative outcomes and build public acceptance.
     
  • Access to attractive and affordable products and services, and support for informed choices and for new industry practices, should be in place wherever possible before interventions which raise prices for essential goods
     
  • Data and ICT have emerged as an important asset and tool for enabling consumers to make informed decisions and choices, for example in which technology to adopt (for example electric cars and heating), for providing consumers with product information and feedback on purchasing habits (for example diet) and for redesigning financial incentives for shifts in demand (for example and heating)

Although the general public’s awareness of climate change is at an all time high, with 85% of Briton’s stating they are concerned about climate change, there are challenges to translate this concern action.

Our region is committed to public engagement and we’ve seen this though:

  • Public engagement to inform local authority-led climate change strategies
  • The North of Tyne Combined Authority’s Citizen’s Assembly which issued a collective statement and set of recommendations on how to tackle climate change.
  • The North East Local Enterprise Partnership’s ongoing and extensive engagement with businesses and partners to inform and the North East Strategic Economic Plan. The Plan details commitments to drive renewable energy and low carbon vehicles forward and acknowledges the global agreement in Paris.
  • The Environmental Leaders Network bringing together the sector to inform and deliver the Environment Plan
  • The recently North East England Climate Coalition being established to co-ordinate collective public campaigns and opportunities for action towards a vision of ‘becoming England’s Greenest Region’ with an ambition to drive a step-change in capacity and delivery. 
  • The Voluntary Organisations Network North East (VONNE) and the VONNE Climate Action Alliance (VCAA) are committed to delivering critical messaging and campaign work to reach key audiences.

We are keen to continue to build on this by keeping the following central to our Net Zero journey

Collaboration

Utilizing the strategic partners, partners and supporters of the Coalition in a collective, coordinated communications and public engagement strategy.

Alignment

With the agendas and ambitions of our local and combined authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships and central government including a focus on decarbonisation.

Inclusion

Ensuring businesses, sectors and communities have the opportunity to be involved.

Creative

Utilizing the strong base of cultural and creative industries in our region to effectively engage people, communicate complex messages and the shared vision for the region.

Education and action-focused

Presenting information and clear messages and provides advice and opportunities for action.