Definition of the topic in simple terms from a reputed site like NASA

Environmental governance is a tool to describe the processes through which governments and communities manage, coordinate and regulate the use of natural resources1, through collectively binding decisions.2 These decisions can channel human use of resources in various ways, such as:

• The conservation and environmental protection: This defines the processes by which communities and governmental bodies can direct their efforts towards the protection and the conservation of the wider environments in the world around them.
• Spatial and land use planning: One of the most critical aspects of environmental governance involves the governance and management of land. Human use of land is one of the most prominent ways that humans impact the natural world around us. As an example, environmental governance in this space would involve making decisions around whether land can be used to plant trees and conserve wildlife and the biodiversity, or if it is cleared for development and construction of buildings or other infrastructural projects. In an environmental governance context, these decisions are made collectively to ensure that there is a balance between the needs of these various people and that the land is still protected for future generations to use. 3
• (sustainable) management of natural resources: This covers the ways in which societies manage the supply of or access to the natural resources upon which they rely for their survival and development. A "natural" resource4 is one that is afforded by nature without human intervention. This means that the fertile lands are examples of natural resources, rather than the crop that grows on them. 5
• the protection of human health: As explored in other modules, human health and security is dependent on the environment in the most fundamental of ways. We rely on nature for food, water and shelter, in addition to a number of other basic day-to-day necessities. The state of humans cannot be separated from the state of their environment, yet we see the divisions and separations of the environment from all else every day: 'environmental' law, 'sustainable' development approach, 'climate change' policy, as if the state of the environment and its systemic relations with all life and all human activities can or should be placed on a negotiation table in competition with the economy, or jobs or national security.

Couple of examples from the subcontinent preferably and from other countries if not available locally

There are several examples where communities that live close to nature have created systems and processes to use natural resources in a sustainable way - without harming the environment. For instance, the Tagbanua communities in the Philippines, have traditionally employed fishing practices that simultaneously harvest and maintain fish populations. They continue to follow these practices today. Tagbanuas fish for specific species only during certain times of the year, determined by tides and the moon, allowing fish stocks to replenish themselves. They set aside certain areas, such as coral reefs, as protected spots in which fishing is prohibited. When they do fish, these traditional fishers primarily use hook-and-line methods, catching only what they need to feed themselves and their communities.5 Closer to home, another example is the case of Palk Bay, in the Gulf of Mannar, between India and Sri Lanka. The area is facing a number of threats - ranging from overfishing and the pollution of the sea bodies to increased climate change and tourism in the region. In order to maintain and protect the rich biodiversity in the region, local fishing communities have turned to local governance mechanisms. In Krishnapuram - a village in Tamil Nadu, the locals have banned fishing from the shores, and have also imposed a fine on anybody caught defecating on the beaches.7 They have also developed sustainable fishing practices and tools (like specific traps and fishing nets) that only capture fish of a certain size in order to protect smaller and younger fish to preserve the future populations.

Another example of local and traditional environmental governance is the system of sacred groves in India. Sacred groves are patches of forested land that have historically been preserved by communities as they represent vast historical, religious and cultural knowledge for those communities. As per their religions, these communities protect these forests and have forbidden anybody from harming any life in them. These groves are preserved as a result of people historically attaching value and traditions to the environment and their natural surroundings. The traditions and beliefs that surround the preservation and maintenance of these sacred groves are also a form of environmental governance, as these communities have come together and collectively decided on a system of management and protection of the natural resources within these groves.9

What 1-2 key ideas should the facilitator focus on while communicating the topic with their local communities?

Environmental governance isn't something that is only restricted to people who work in panchayats and other governmental bodies. These decisions are of major importance to all human beings and everyone has a right to be informed of these decisions and also play a part in these processes. Environmental governance can be as simple as creating a nature club in a local community to run a garbage cleaning drive, or even discuss local health and sanitation, or even garbage disposal mechanisms. A youth club can also participate in environmental governance by working with local decision-making bodies like panchayats and municipalities.

How does it connect systemically with the other topics on which we are working?

Environmental governance is one of the steps and processes that we, as conscious citizens can turn to in order to act on all the knowledge and awareness that we have about climate change and the dangers that human activities can have on the world around us. Through well-planned and collective environmental governance, we can collectively reduce the impact that we are having on the natural biodiversity and the world around us, and we can create systems and processes that allow the natural world to rebuild and strengthen its resilience mechanisms, which will increase their health and our own as well. Proper environmental governance can reduce the impacts of climate change and global warming by also regulating and restricting the burning of fossil fuels and creating systems in which the environment can support the thriving of society, by increasing our food and water security and by reducing carbon emissions, while also supporting and incentivising the use of renewable energy sources, which will only reduce the impact that we have on the world to an even greater extent.

Examples of success stories from around the world of people/organisations that have brought about some positive changes in this space

There have been several instances where community mobilisation and environmental governance have been successful. At a global level, one of the most large-scale measures of environmental governance are the Sustainable Development Goals10, which are internationally agreed upon goals and guidelines that help national governments decide upon a course of action regarding their policies and decisions. For instance, SDG 13 - on Climate Action, draws attention to the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions globally on a priority basis, and requires all partnered countries to enforce policies to restrict and reduce carbon emissions and climate change. These policies and decisions are what finally can make a big difference in the current state as well as the future of the environment as well as our lives.

Another example of environmental governance, at a much smaller scale, is the role given to public communities in large-scale industrial and infrastructural developments in rural areas. In India, for instance, there are legal requirements for governments to consult local communities before they provide the final approval to any major infrastructural changes in rural areas of the country, like the construction of a dam, or a highway or a power plant. These laws were put in place several years ago to protect the rights of citizens who depend on the land for various uses, and whose lives and livelihoods could be placed under threat by widespread infrastructural changes to the land. As per India's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations, the public have the right to send in their concerns to the government and also engage directly with government officials regarding the project at a public hearing10.While the government is currently taking steps to make it more difficult to voice these concerns and reduce the effectiveness of these public consultations, they continue to be a strong and effective tool for environmental governance, as they allow the public to engage with the government and the governance processes, on topics that could change the fabric of the environments that they rely on for their day-to-day needs.

An activity that the readers can try individually or as a group that will help them gather firsthand data and understand the concept/ topic well in their own context.

Imagine that you and your friends are living in a town. One of you is a carpenter, who relies on wood from the forests to make the furniture that you sell. Another is an environmentalist, who seeks to protect the forested land in order to save the trees and the animals. Another is an employee at a real estate company, who wants to cut down the trees and build some houses in the area, and ensure that there is space for more people to live in the town. The three of you have different plans for using the land, and slowly begin arguing with each other about the best use for the land. In order to solve the problem, you all agree to sit down at a table to discuss how best to use the land and come to an agreement that each of you gets to use 1/3rd of the forested land each. You have to cut down and source your wood, the environmentalist protects and provides a safe haven to plants and wildlife in the region in that land, while the real estate developer can transform of that land into a housing zone for people to live in. While this may not be the perfect solution, and would not make everyone happy, it is a form of environmental governance, as three different groups have collectively decided how best to use the land, based on their needs and their requirements.

Resources

• What is 'environmental governance'? A working definition | SUSTAINABILITY GOVERNANCE (sustainability-governance.net)
• Environmental rights and governance overview | UNEP - UN Environment Programme
• https://www.fao.org/sustainable-forest-management/toolbox/modules/land-use-planning/basic-knowledge/en/?type=111
• Natural resource | Definition, Examples, & Facts | Britannica
• Natural resource management | Description, History, & Objectives | Britannica
• Sustainable Fishing (nationalgeographic.org)
• Conserving Palk Bay| India Water Portal
• Fishing Palk Bay - YouTube
• How religious worship is boosting conservation in India - BBC Future
• THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development (un.org)
• India's proposed overhaul of environment clearance rules could dilute existing regulations (mongabay.com)

Climate Policy

Climate change policy is about the rules and plans that governments and groups make to help with climate change. It's like teamwork between different people and countries. These rules are made to stop things that cause climate change, like pollution, and to be ready for the changes that are happening. Making these rules is not easy, and it means a lot of people need to work together.

Making decisions about climate change is like a puzzle with pieces from different places. The whole world agrees on big goals to fight climate change, but each country figures out its own plans to reach those goals, depending on what's important to them.

These processes lead to the creation of International Environmental Agreements (IEAs). Imagine international agreements as superhero missions to save the planet, and these treaties are their tools. They're created by diplomats, agreed upon by governments, and have the force of law. Some are stronger than others, and only a few are well-known.

IEAs  are like special rules that countries follow to protect the environment. To be international, the agreement has to involve many countries, not just two. "Environmental" means it's about nature and protecting our planet. IEAs can cover different things, like protecting wildlife, reducing pollution, and more.

IEAs are signed by countries' representatives and need their government's approval to be official. Some big groups of countries, like the European Union, can also sign these agreements. These agreements can be rules that countries must follow (binding) or just suggestions (nonbinding). Sometimes, there are rewards or consequences to make sure everyone sticks to the rules.

You might wonder when a country signs an agreement, is it final? Not quite. They need to follow through with their plans. For example, the United States signed an agreement about hazardous waste movement but hasn't fully put it into action yet.

These agreements help countries work together to fight climate change, use renewable energy, and reduce pollution. Some countries are doing well in these efforts, while others need to improve. These agreements have become faster to adopt in recent years.

Here are some examples of these international environmental agreements:

• World Heritage Convention: Identifies and preserves important cultural and natural places.
• CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna): Protects endangered plants and animals.
• CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity): Promotes protecting and using nature in a way that benefits everyone.
• Montreal Protocol: Phases out harmful chemicals that damage the ozone layer.
• Kyoto Protocol: Limits greenhouse gas emissions to fight climate change.
• Paris Agreement: Aims to keep the world's temperature from rising too much by reducing pollution and using new technology.

These agreements help countries take care of the environment and work together to solve global problems. To decide on these plans, countries must talk and work together on a big scale. People from outside of the government, like groups and businesses, also have a say in these decisions. Everyone is trying to make the best choices to help the planet. Here are the steps involved in developing a climate policy:

1. Find the Problem: Scientists and experts figure out that climate change is a big problem because of too much greenhouse gases.
2. Study and Learn: They do lots of research to understand why climate change happens and how it affects the world. This info helps make the plan.
3. Make the Plan: Governments and groups create rules and agreements to stop climate change. They might set goals to reduce pollution, make prices for carbon, or give money for clean energy.
4. Ask People: They talk to regular people and groups to make sure everyone agrees with the plan and it's fair.
5. Decide the Rules: The plan goes to lawmakers who discuss and vote on it.
6. Put the Plan in Action: If the plan is approved, different groups start doing things to make it work. This happens in neighbourhoods, cities, and countries.
7. Check How It's Going: They keep watching to see if the plan is working. If it's not, they might change it.

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

The UNFCCC is like the basic rules for countries to work together to stop climate change. They want to reduce the gases that harm the Earth's climate.

The Conference and Parties (COP) is like the big meeting where all the countries talk about these rules. They look at what each country is doing to follow the rules and decide how to make them better.

The COP meeting happens every year. Different regions take turns hosting the meeting. They also check what countries are doing to protect the environment. They first met in 1995 in Berlin, Germany.

Climate Policy Over the Last 50 Years:

1970s-80s:

In 1972, leaders met in Stockholm, Sweden, to talk about the environment. They started working together to protect nature and formed the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). However, climate change wasn't a big concern at that time.

It was seen as a scientific issue, not a pressing problem. But by the late 1980s, leaders began to pay more attention. Scientists were warning about the risks of too much greenhouse gas pollution.

In 1988, countries agreed to create a group called the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This group's job was to study climate change – how it happens, what problems it causes, and what we can do about it.

1990s:

In 1992, they made the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Then, in 1997, they made the Kyoto Protocol, which set rules for some countries to reduce pollution.

The Kyoto Protocol

The main idea of the Kyoto Protocol was to cut down on greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, which make the Earth hotter. The countries that signed it promised to limit how much pollution they create. Each country had its own goal for how much they should reduce their pollution. They used a system called "cap and trade" to help meet these goals, which means they could trade pollution rights. It's like a teamwork effort to keep our planet safe for the future.

2000s:

The Kyoto Protocol started in 2005, but it didn't work great. Some countries did well at meeting their targets, while others found it challenging. The Kyoto Protocol was a step toward fighting climate change, but more work is needed. Today, there are newer agreements, like the Paris Agreement, which build on the ideas from the Kyoto Protocol to protect our environment.

2010s:

The Paris Agreement

In December 2015, the Paris Agreement was created. It's a special agreement that has rules to fight climate change after the year 2020. Here are some of the important things in it:

Long-term goals:

They want to make sure the Earth's temperature doesn't rise a lot. They aim to keep it under 2ºC compared to the time before factories and machines. They might even try to keep it closer to 1.5ºC.

National contributions:

All the countries that agreed to this must make their own plans to reduce pollution. They have to keep making these plans better over time.

Exchanging pollution and the price of CO2:

They want to allow countries to trade their pollution and improve how they set a price on carbon. They might trade their pollution and create a way to reduce pollution and help development together.

Financing:

Rich countries have to keep giving money to help fight climate change, but now, other countries can also give money if they want. They're trying to reach a target of $100 billion every year by 2020.

Monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV):

They'll watch and make sure everyone is doing what they promised, but it won't be too nosy or punishing. Every five years, they'll check how well the agreement is working and if they're getting closer to their goals.

Technology transfer:

They want to give new technology to countries that need it to fight climate change. They'll use the right tools to make it happen and help these countries.

Adaptation:

Countries need to make plans to deal with the changes climate change brings, especially in poorer countries. They'll get help with money and technology to do this.

Over the past years, they've been working to make the Paris Agreement happen. They made the Paris Agreement Rulebook during the Katowice Climate Summit (COP 24). This rulebook helps put the agreement into action, and they'll keep checking how well it's working and making improvements. They'll also work on getting money to fight climate change by 2025.

2020s:

Climate change has become an even bigger issue around the world. Countries are working harder to follow the rules in the Paris Agreement and use less energy that causes pollution. This shows that people are taking climate change more seriously and working together to fight it.

Key dates in global climate change negotiations, 1972-2021

1995: IPCC Second Assessment report published

1995: The first meeting of the UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP 1) takes place in Berlin, Germany

1997: After two years of formal negotiations, the Kyoto Protocol agreed is agreed at COP 3 in Kyoto, Japan

2001: IPCC Third Assessment Report (TAR) published

2005: Kyoto Protocol enters into force 

2007: The IPCC’s fourth assessment report (AR4) published

2009: Parties fail to reach agreement on a successor to the Kyoto Protocol at COP 15 in Copenhagen, Denmark

2014-15: IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) published

2015: A successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol (the ‘Paris Agreement’) is reached at COP 21 in Paris, France 

2020: Paris Agreement takes legal effect

2021: Postponed COP 26 scheduled to take place in Glasgow with UK Government as hosts

Definition of the topic in simple terms from a reputed site like NASA

Social movements are when people join forces to make society better. They work together to bring positive changes and improve our lives. These movements are not just about anger and violence; they are more about working together with hope and determination.

In India, there have been important movements like the Swadeshi Movement, Gandhiji’s Satyagraha, the Chipko movement, and more recently, the Nirbhaya Protests and the NRC/CAA protests. These movements show how people can come together to make things better.

Exercise

1. Which of the following social movements have you heard of? Can you put them in the order in which they happened?
2. Are there any ongoing social movements that you follow or are a part of? What about them inspires you to be involved? How does the movement run?

Definitions

Activism means taking direct action to achieve a goal, usually related to politics or society. Communication is when people exchange messages to understand each other better. Advocacy means trying to convince important people to support a specific policy. It involves planned communication to inform, persuade, and encourage action. Public advocacy means using information to bring about a change or reach a specific goal

There are two types of public advocacy:

1. Social mobilization: This involves getting the public involved in a cause to convince decision makers to take action. For example, a campaign asking the government to provide services to women who have experienced violence.
2. Behavior change communications: This means encouraging the public or specific groups of people to change their habits. For instance, a campaign encouraging schoolchildren to wash their hands regularly to stay healthy.

Communication and advocacy are closely connected. You can't do advocacy without communication, and most communications aim to influence opinions and decisions. That's why we use the term "advocacy communication" to talk about both things together.

Public advocacy is helped by external communications. This means using emails, calls, texts, videos, and talking to people face-to-face to share ideas and get others involved. These personal interactions are important for building trust and making projects successful.

Why do we need good climate communication?

We all need to talk about climate change in a way that's easy for everyone to understand and care about. It's not just for adults, but even kids can help by learning about it early. Good communication is super important in making any project work, and that includes taking action on climate change. When we get communities involved, they can make a big difference too. It's also crucial to listen to the knowledge of indigenous people who understand nature well. In places like the Sundarbans, they are trying to protect the climate and adapt to its changes.

Let's make sure we talk about climate change everywhere, not just on social media. It's not just a passing trend; it's a real and serious issue that affects all of us. By using simple and clear language, we can help everyone understand why it's important and how they can make a positive impact. Together, we can take action to protect our planet for ourselves and for future generations.

Exercise: Host your own Peer Parliament to identify key issues in your school/community/village/city, and work together to devise solutions for the same.

A Guide to Communicating on Climate Change for Advocacy

1. Have a clear goal: Know what you want to achieve and plan how to communicate to get there.
2. Make a purposeful strategy: Think about who will communicate, what message, to whom, and how often to achieve your goal.
3. Know your audience: Understand who you're talking to and use a language they understand. Find common ground to motivate them.

Experts: They know a lot about the topic. They need to see detailed information to be convinced. Informed non-experts: They work in the field but aren't researchers. They want to see the important outcomes of research, not all the details.

The general public: They might not care about policy research unless it affects them directly. If it does, show them simple evidence to get their attention

4. Be clear with your messaging

Make it personal: Focus on how climate change affects people's homes, families, and communities. Connect the dots to show how they are already experiencing its impacts.

Make it accessible: Use simple language and everyday terms that people can relate to. Avoid technical jargon and numbers that might turn people off.

Make it empowering: Instead of overwhelming people with doom and gloom, show them solutions and how they can make a difference.

Make it collective: Stress the importance of everyone working together to address climate change. It's not just up to individuals, but also governments and communities.

Make it normal: Highlight examples of people already taking climate-friendly actions to make it feel socially normal and encourage more participation.

Make it trustworthy: Use reliable sources and trusted messengers.

Make it for everyone: Focus on common ground and avoid giving attention to climate change denial arguments, which are held by only a small percentage of people.

5. Choose the right way to communicate for advocacy depending on your message and audience.

Ideas include:

• In-person meetings (best for engaging individuals, local authorities and small groups)
• Phone calls, video chat or conference (for communications involving remote participants)
• Social media (Twitter posts, short videos, posters and flyers)
• Bulk SMS (best in advocacy campaigns or marketing your service)
• Traditional media (radio, information centre, TV, newspapers) -- best for advertising or creating awareness
• Shared to-do lists (best for keeping things going among your team)
• Community events (festivals and other public gatherings are a good place to spread your message)
• Electronic communications (Eg. periodic newsletters via email subscriptions, blog posts)
• Surveys (can be considered if you need some feedback on your work)

6. Be open to feedback!