How to harness public action

How do we organise in the face of climate change? There is a wealth of concern and activity giving signs of hope in terms of the awareness of the public as consumers, businesses and political leaders. But the current institutions we have are not up to the task and, as yet, there is no mandate for something new that could co-ordinate public action and, where needed, enforce compliance.

The answer is to draw on a new version of an old idea ­ a contemporary version of the social contract. An environmental contract would define the rights and responsibilities of individual and state in relation to climate change. It will start from where people are willing to take action, if it is made easier to do so, and develop towards the deeper change across society and the economy that is likely to be required.

The debate that is coming on the scope for a full British Bill of Rights and Duties or a written constitution in the UK, opens up the opportunity to build the environment into the heart of what it means to be a citizen.This report reveals that there is a public appetite for this, with a recognition for the need for a widespread culture change, and a belief that an environmental contract could help.

See full Report, in pdf format.