A report and guide produced by Climate Outreach ahead of COP26 presents a set of insights for engaging the public around international negotiations. Drawing on analysis with two key audience groups (Loyal Nationals and Civic Pragmatists, two of More in Common’s ‘British Seven’), the report notes that:
“Messaging that speaks to the need to protect nature, and that frames climate change as a shared global crisis and a shared global responsibility, is likely to resonate.
Language around the benefits from green investments and jobs is effective, but not when it seems to undermine the idea of global cooperation.
Engagement needs to counter the fact that many people do not understand what COP is about, and when they do they are often sceptical about what it could achieve, or believe it should be
conducted online rather than in person.
Communications should be confident in framing climate change as a shared global crisis and a shared global responsibility. There is no need to overly explain the global context or cater to a misplaced sense of isolationism.”
Comment: Are international climate negotiations on the public’s radar?
Knowledge of COPs is limited, and there is scepticism about whether the promises made at international meetings are being kept – but voters still want and expect to see British climate leadership on the world stage.