Several research projects have been undertaken as part of the Climate Transformations initiative to strengthen understanding of the what, why and how of climate change community engagement.

1. Climate Change and Community Engagement: Benefits, challenges and strategies

This project aims to contribute to understanding of the value of partnering with communities in the design, promotion and implementation of climate change mitigation, adaptation and structural adjustment responses (compared with or in addition to public education and information provision).

Community roundtable discussions and local Victorian case studies constituted the basis for a report entitled, Community Engagement and Climate Change: Benefits, challenges and strategies. The report presents a number of key principles and priorities for promoting and supporting effective community engagement on climate change.

Current status
Complete. This research was undertaken between August and October 2008. The Report was launched in February 2009.

Project funding
Department of Planning and Community Development, Victorian Government

Partnerships
·    Council on the Ageing, Victoria
·    Victorian Council of Social Services


2. Mapping Community Engagement on Climate Change at DSE 2006 - 2009

This project aimed to contribute to the development of a long-term framework for community engagement on climate change at the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) by improving understanding of the current scope, strengths and limitations of recent DSE initiatives in this area.

Information and insights from those working on climate change-related initiatives with a community engagement component at DSE and their partner organisations were collated and analysed for the level and effectiveness of engagement undertaken.

Current Status
Complete. The project was undertaken between December 2008 and May 2009.

Project Funding
Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victorian Government


Publications

• Fritze, J., Wiseman, J. and Williamson, L. 'Community engagement and climate change: Learning from recent Australian experience' International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, Vol. 2, No. 2, 2010, pp134-147
•  Edwards, T. and Wiseman, J. Climate Change and Community Engagement: Analysis of DSE Initiatives 2006 – 2009, Report for Department of Sustainability and Environment, May 2009
•  Fritze, J., Williamson, L. and Wiseman, J., Community Engagement and Climate Change: Benefits, Challenges and Strategies, Report for the Department of Planning and Community Development, Victorian Government, October 2008

Conferences and events

• Wiseman, J. 'Community Engagement and Climate Change: Benefits, Challenges and Strategies', presentation to Climate Change: Global Risks, Challenges and Decisions, Copenhagen, Denmark, March 10-12, 2009
•  Wiseman, J. 'Fear, hope and transformation: Engaging communities in responding to the challenges of climate change', Changing Climate, Changing Communities, conference co-hosted by International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) and the McCaughey Centre, Melbourne, July 31, 2009