Inclusive stakeholder engagement can improve climate policy design and public legitimacy

Effective climate policy is not only about technical solutions. It also depends on how policies are developed and who is involved in shaping them. In interviews and focus group discussions with Nordregio, civil society organisations, labour unions and youth representatives from across the Nordic Region have expressed a strong desire to be more involved in green transition policymaking, both at national and local levels. However, many report that opportunities for meaningful participation are often limited, poorly timed or inaccessible.

Common barriers include unclear objectives, lack of feedback on how input is used, and practical obstacles, such as meeting times, digital access or language. Moreover, stakeholder engagement often comes too late in the policy process to influence outcomes, reinforcing perceptions that decisions are made without public input. These shortcomings can lead to frustration, even among actors who support climate action in principle.

Effective climate policy is not only about technical solutions. It also depends on how policies are developed and who is involved in shaping them. In interviews and focus group discussions with Nordregio, civil society organisations, labour unions and youth representatives from across the Nordic Region have expressed a strong desire to be more involved in green transition policymaking, both at national and local levels. However, many report that opportunities for meaningful participation are often limited, poorly timed or inaccessible.

Common barriers include unclear objectives, lack of feedback on how input is used, and practical obstacles, such as meeting times, digital access or language. Moreover, stakeholder engagement often comes too late in the policy process to influence outcomes, reinforcing perceptions that decisions are made without public input. These shortcomings can lead to frustration, even among actors who support climate action in principle.

Quotes from stakeholders
Source: Quotes are taken from focus group discussions conducted by Nordregio in 2023.

Nordregio’s discussions with stakeholders suggest that early, inclusive and well-facilitated engagement can improve both the quality, legitimacy and acceptance of climate policies, especially at local level. It allows policymakers to tap into local knowledge, anticipate unintended consequences and build broader coalitions of support. This is especially important for groups most affected by the transition, such as workers in vulnerable sectors or residents of areas in which green energy initiatives are planned.

To be effective, stakeholder engagement must be more than symbolic. It should be structured, meaningful and designed to have a clear impact. Various formats can be used, including permanent advisory bodies, youth councils or citizen parliaments, and these can be implemented at all levels of governance, from national to local.

Quotes from stakeholders
Source: Quotes are taken from focus group discussions conducted by Nordregio in 2023.

Nordregio’s discussions with stakeholders suggest that early, inclusive and well-facilitated engagement can improve both the quality, legitimacy and acceptance of climate policies, especially at local level. It allows policymakers to tap into local knowledge, anticipate unintended consequences and build broader coalitions of support. This is especially important for groups most affected by the transition, such as workers in vulnerable sectors or residents of areas in which green energy initiatives are planned.

To be effective, stakeholder engagement must be more than symbolic. It should be structured, meaningful and designed to have a clear impact. Various formats can be used, including permanent advisory bodies, youth councils or citizen parliaments, and these can be implemented at all levels of governance, from national to local.

Establish mechanisms for early and inclusive public engagement in green transition projects and initiatives. Engagement must be structured and meaningful.

Sánchez Gassen, N., Rohrer, L., Berlina, A., Ögland, L., Tapia, C., Cavicchia, R. & Lundgren, A. (2024).  Nordic toolbox for a just green transition. Nordregio Report 2024: 21, Stockholm: Nordregio. DOI: 10.6027/R2024:21.1403-2503.

Tapia, C., de Jesus, A., Cedergren, E., Sánchez Gassen, N. & Lundgren, A. (2022). The social impacts of climate mitigation policies on vulnerable groups in the Nordic Region. Nordregio Discussion Paper 2022:3. Stockholm: Nordregio. DOI: http://doi.org/10.6027/WP2022:3.1403-2511.