Engaging and empowering citizens for the net-zero transition

Achieving net-zero emissions is a whole-of-society endeavour. While citizens are concerned about climate change and the impact of climate action, trust in governments’ ability to tackle the climate crisis remains low. Empowering citizens within policy-making processes can tap into their potential for innovation and action, leading to more effective outcomes. Engaging citizens in this way also helps build trust in government decision making and support of climate policies. Moreover, citizens’ actions and behavioural choices are essential for successful policy implementation and driving emissions reductions. This paper outlines key elements of an effective government-citizen interface, emphasising the need to: 1) provide access to transparent and open information; 2) build trust through clear and responsive communication; 3) empower and engage citizens through people-centered policy-making with meaningful participation; and 4) sustain change by incorporating behavioural insights into citizen engagement.