Public Engagement for a 1.5C World – Shifting Gear and Scaling up
Category: Reports
Source: Climate Outreach
Author(s): Jamie Clarke, Adam Corner, Robin Webster, Chris Shaw, Karl Dudman
Year: 2018
Excerpt:
While governments and advocates have largely focused on the technological, economic and political changes needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, far less attention has been paid to engaging the public in the global response to climate change. What does it mean to live in a changing climate? How do public attitudes play into the global policy discourse on climate change? Are rapid emissions cuts possible without major social transformation, given the need for signi cant lifestyle change across a range of behaviours currently considered ‘normal’ (in wealthy countries) or ‘aspirational’ (in developing countries)? Public engagement is critical for a 1.5 °C world.
The international community agreed in 2015 to “pursue efforts” to limit warming to 1.5 °C by the end of the century, as part of the Paris agreement on climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) October 2018 Special Report lays out the vast array of social, political, cultural, economic and technological changes this would entail.
This Special Report effectively abandons the assumption – often made in public debate and policy – that only those in power can make change, and that significant action in one sector or region means less action is needed elsewhere. This level of transition requires accelerated action across the world, at all levels of society. For the first time, the report therefore includes some coverage of the social science of public engagement – a recognition of this crucial, but historically underrepresented, piece of the climate change puzzle.
Are you familiar with this resource?
If so, please give it a rating: 
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading...
