The UKERC Public Engagement Observatory has played a significant role, alongside other academics and practitioners, in shaping the development of the UK Government’s new climate and nature public participation plan.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has published the UK Government’s long-awaited climate and nature public participation plan: ‘Energising Britain: Your voice in our Clean Energy Superpower Mission’. The plan sets out how the government “will involve and engage people and their communities in the policies and decisions” that will help tackle climate change and deliver its clean energy mission.
The Public Engagement Observatory is pleased to have informed and contributed to the development of the plan. Professor Jason Chilvers (Director of the Public Engagement Observatory) contributed through roundtable evidence sessions organised by DESNZ and The British Academy during 2024 and 2025, through a Government Office for Science roundtable chaired by the government’s Chief Scientific Adviser and the then Minister for Climate, and in additional evidence meetings with DESNZ representatives. Dr Helen Pallett (Observatory Deputy-lead) and Dr Phedeas Stephanides (Observatory research fellow) contributed along with Jason through an ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange process between the Observatory and DESNZ.
Jason said:
“This plan marks a significant moment in recognising the importance of public participation in addressing climate, energy and environmental issues and developing a more joined up approach for this across the UK. Having contributed to its development through roundtables, evidence and knowledge exchange processes with UK Government and The British Academy, it is good to see the plan making progress with commitments to recognising and responding to a range of public engagements. Our work in the Public Engagement Observatory highlights areas where it can go further and offers pathways to support its delivery.
We look forward to continuing our collaborative work with government departments and agencies – as well as businesses, civil society organisations, communities and citizens – in helping to shape a national system of climate and nature public participation that truly works with and for society.”
The Public Engagement Observatory’s response to the government’s public participation plan will be published on 28th January as part of UKERC’s annual Review of Energy Policy.