Climate Change - Net Zero Nation: draft public engagement strategy - consultation

COP26

The 26th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP26), to be held in Glasgow in 2021, will be a critical moment in the global fight against climate change. Tackling the climate emergency and setting the world on course for net zero emissions within a generation will require a truly global response which has equity and fairness at its heart. Given the scale and importance of COP26, there are opportunities for engaging the Scottish public and for demonstrating our leadership in public engagement to international audiences. To reflect the importance of both public engagement and ensuring people are at the heart of climate policy, we have identified "people" as one of our two themes for COP26 alongside "Just Transition". This public engagement strategy will help deliver that theme. 

Legacy 

It is also crucial that COP26 delivers a positive legacy for the people of Scotland and the world.

With the international focus on Glasgow and Scotland, we want to use the opportunity that this momentous event presents to: increase awareness of the domestic and international action we are taking to address climate change; inspire greater action to support our national endeavour towards net zero; and ensure that people that come to Glasgow (COVID-19 permitting) are left with a positive impression of our country, people, culture, nature, and heritage, including our commitments to social justice, just transition, and a wellbeing economy (in line with our strategic objectives). We also hope that we can use this as an opportunity to educate and inform people about the international and UN systems, and how Scotland's action is connected to international decisions.

We hope to increase connections and partnerships for people and communities in Scotland, and with our international neighbours. We will promote youth engagement and participation in COP related activities to help ensure a positive legacy for future generations (in line with our participation theme). 

It is important that COP26 is inclusive, and delivers for people both in Scotland, and across the world. We will champion this in our programme and with the UK Government, Glasgow City Council, the UNFCCC and other partners. 

Communicating policy and encouraging action 

We will deliver sustained communications and engagement activity to create links between our work on domestic climate communication and COP26 to ensure that we build momentum across Scotland ahead of the summit. We will encourage all communities and individuals to think about what steps they can take in support of this goal, and what pledges or commitments they can make including specific action outlined in Annex A. We will look at how we can use our Net Zero Nation website to share ideas and steps taken. 

We will also encourage collaboration between people and groups in Scotland to encourage and maximise innovation, and to explore opportunities for international connections and sharing of experiences. Further facilitation of meaningful climate conversations can be an essential part of this. 

We hope to build on our strong partnerships with other countries, such as our international development partners: Malawi, Zambia, and Rwanda, to learn about the experiences of others tackling the climate crisis, and how we can work together to support a global transition that is fair and just. We will build on, for example, our support for the 2050 Climate Group and the Malawi Scotland Partnership to develop youth leadership in Scotland and Malawi. 

Participation 

It is important that there are opportunities for people to engage with COP26 both before, during, and after the summit. We have partnered with the Glasgow Science Centre to deliver the first phase of a programme of climate change activity branded 'Our World, Our Impact'. This will be based on the delivery of a mainly virtual programme, with all programme elements and engagement activities building on the following themes – Environmental Science, Energy, Transport and Travel, Food, Our Green Futures, and Climate Justice.

We will work with the UK Government
to ensure there are opportunities for people across Scotland to engage with
the summit's Green Zone. The Green Zone is a space managed and delivered by
the Presidency, offering a platform for non-accredited delegates – such as the general public, youth groups, civil society, academia, artists, and business – to have their voices heard through events, exhibitions, workshops, and talks that promote dialogue, awareness, education, and commitments. We expect that an application process will be launched in early 2021. 

Alongside this, we are also exploring options for a Scottish Government run venue space to provide opportunities for public engagement. Our planning for this has been delayed due to the pandemic. 

Showcasing 

COP26 also provides an opportunity
to showcase the best of what Scotland has to offer, not only on our climate action and leadership but also our nature, our culture, and our people. We want to ensure that action by people and communities is an essential part of this, and that this includes our work to support communities to adapt to climate change through our climate justice fund. 

COP26 itself provides the opportunity to work with experts and policymakers from all over the world on the greatest challenges facing us all. While the technical and scientific discussions are pivotal to these events, it is crucial that attention is also given to the need for greater public engagement on climate change. As this strategy outlines, we cannot be successful in adapting to and mitigating climate change without bringing people with us. Our approach has been honed by reflecting on expert advice and on our experience of engaging with the public since before our 2009 Climate Change Act. This delivery experience provides insights applicable to organisations and governments across the world and we will work with the UK Government to ensure this is emphasised at COP26.

Consultation Questions: COP26

11) How do you think COP26 can help deliver a positive legacy for people of Scotland and climate action?

12) How can we work with stakeholders and actors across Scotland to deliver our "people" theme for COP26. 

13) Are there other initiatives that the Scottish Government should consider joining or supporting ahead of COP26?