Building global climate lobbying capabilities

Associate Professor Christian Downie has been awarded a philanthropic grant to explore the lobbying capabilities of the climate movement.

The project titled, Building Global Climate Lobbying Capabilities aims to determine whether pro-climate groups in highly consequential emerging economies can be supported to be more effective strategists and lobbyists. For example, by conducting social research to inform climate campaigns.

The project is motivated by the impression that the climate movement is being outgunned by incumbent industries, such as oil, gas and coal, that continue to oppose climate action around the world.

“We have seen dramatic contrasts in the effectiveness of political strategies between those obstructing climate action on the one side, and the climate movement on the other”.

“Climate scientists are telling us we are almost out of time to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. We must do everything we can to support those that want action on climate change”, says Associate Professor Downie.

This research will target countries in which climate policies will have a critical impact on global climate outcomes. Findings from the research will be used to help those campaigning to reduce emissions, based on identified needs and opportunities.

Associate Professor Downie is the Director at the Governing Energy Transitions (GET) Lab at the Australian National University. The GET Lab is a home for researchers, policymakers and advocates seeking to advance the politics and governance of a clean energy transition. Global in focus and interdisciplinary in practice, its members’ research and teaching is driven by a desire to improve our understanding of the political and governance barriers to decarbonising our society. With scholars from across the social sciences, including political science, international relations, sociology, economics and law, the aim of the GET Lab is to develop new strategies that address the complex governance challenges of the energy transition.