Introduction

Around the world, local and regional governments hold town halls, hearings, and public consultations on projects that can either protect or harm climate, nature, and people. These forums matter: research shows that, in democratic systems, public input can impact and effectively shape planning decisions.

"You don't need to be a super expert to have an impact. Just showing up, speaking from the heart, and offering practical solutions is one of the most effective ways to engage."

Katharine Hayhoe, Canadian Atmospheric Scientist

The following outline was extracted fro Katharine Hayoe's Talking Climate newsletter (January 10, 2026).

Last year, Talking Climate guest editor Brigid Shea shared how local engagement has been key to her own climate advocacy journey. She even chose to run for and serve in local government, where she can actively support opportunities to reduce emissions and build local resilience. As she put it, progress comes from enlisting people in practical solutions and giving them specific actions to take.

Here's a few ideas on how to get more involved where you live:

• Find out about local meetings. Look for who keeps a list of all the town halls, council or commission meetings, planning hearings, or environmental reviews in your community. These are often where decisions about energy, transportation (including walkability and public transportation), land use (including hot topics like housing, data centers, and conservation), and disaster preparedness are discussed, and where public comments are formally recorded.
• Watch for other ways to weigh in. Some governments also invite written or spoken input on proposed policies and projects. Even brief comments grounded on local impacts like heat, flooding, health, or emergency access can make a difference.
• Focus on shared concerns and offer practical, positive solutions. Even people with very different political views can often agree on protecting their families, homes, health, and livelihoods. As my colleague Chris Chu found in this study, focusing on local concerns breaks down the polarisation and psychological distance that often make climate discussions so contentious. Decision-makers particularly appreciate specific, constructive ideas: for example, how have similar towns, counties, or regions shifted to cleaner and more reliable energy, or implemented nature-based solutions that reduce risk and save money over time?
• Consider running for public office. As Brigid has shown, serving as a local leader - whether a council, commission, school board, or similar body - can be one of the most direct ways to translate concern into action. In fact, one of my favorite messages from a Saving Us reader came from a woman in southern France who initially thought climate action wasn't needed where she lived; after reading the book, she realized it was needed so badly that she decided to run for public office herself!

Katharine encourages the public to take five minutes to search for an upcoming public meeting or open comment period on a topic you care about that you're eligible to participate in. Share what you learn with others, then consider how you could use your voice to help people understand why this matters and what they can do about it.

External References