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Project title

Deepening public engagement on Climate Change: Lessons from the Citizens� Assembly

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Dublin City University (DCU)

Lead Applicant

Diarmuid Torney

Project Abstract

The Citizens� Assembly�s deliberations on climate change provide an incredibly rich source of data on environmental literacy in Ireland, as well as lessons for deepening public engagement in this area. This is particularly important because, to date, Ireland�s climate change policy response has not delivered sufficient progress. Recognition of the need for deeper public engagement is evidenced by the Government�s establishment of a National Dialogue on Climate Action (NDCA). This project will focus on both the substance and process of the Citizens� Assembly, and will undertake two principal tasks. First, it will comprehensively analyse written submissions, video footage, and papers prepared by expert presentations at the Citizens� Assembly on climate change. Second, it will use this analysis to develop a toolbox for policymakers to enhance public engagement on climate change. This toolkit will be tested using three focus group meetings in different regions of Ireland and will be refined on the basis of feedback received. Relevant stakeholders, including in DCCAE, EPA, and NDCA, will be consulted throughout the project in order to ensure high impact. The project will also contribute to academic research on deliberative democracy, public engagement and climate change by publishing two articles in leading international peer-reviewed journals.

Grant Approved

�74,992.46

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/01/2019

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/09/2019