Publication Overview
The main deliverables from the study will be a series of Briefing Notes (BNs) covering the key information needs of key stakeholders, and a series of shorter Information Sheets (ISs) which provide a more basic introduction to the same topics. Note: the BN’s are the main deliverable of the study, and the ISs will be finalised and circulated after the technical report has been produced and disseminated.
The study will work from, but not exclusively from, IEAGHG’s technical studies and reviews to identify the topics requiring BNs and the final BN’s will be reviewed by members of the Social Research Network, among others, as part of the peer review
Publication Summary
Link CCS and Day-to-Day Activities
There is no link between the perception of a ‘new climate change mitigation option’ and peoples everyday lives. There will always be questions asked about what else money and funding could be diverted to, and so there needs to be a clear reasoning shown for the need for projects. A minority of the public are still sceptical that climate change is a direct result of human activity, and this needs to be continually explained.
Graphic Improvements
The general feedback on graphics and illustrations is a lack of human elements, and a sense of everything occurring in one place. A sense of scale needs to be created, with reference to everyday objects, or distances.
Creative Public Engagement
If developers use modern e-based communication methods, engagement is generally better from an early stage. Successful projects in terms of public engagement have utilised tools such as webcams and online Q&A forums, and these are recommended for CCS projects to instigate early involvement and engagement.
Acknowledge Counter Views
Controversially, it could be seen as beneficial to give a voice to those who are not unequivocally supportive of projects, to promote a sense of openness, and to encourage any issues to be debated and dealt with. In this manner it could be possible to overcome potential showstoppers before they escalate into major concerns.
Further Work
There is clearly a great deal of work to be continued into this area, and IEAGHG are reasonably well placed to take a leading role in this. Social science is a growing element of CCS, and involvement in the groups looking into this would be something to add value to the programme. The University of Nottingham has held a workshop addressing Public Engagement, and this is intended to continue into a series, which IEAGHG should continue to participate in.
