King's College London

This report, commissioned by the Welsh Government, presents the findings from a rapid review conducted between September 2024 and March 2025 by King's College London, in partnership with Dotiau. The report explored the potential for using deliberative approaches to involve the public in developing Net Zero and climate related policies, building on the rich tapestry of engagement practices that already exist in Wales.

The report finds that deliberative engagement methods are helpful tools for meeting the duty placed on public bodies to consider and involve people of all ages and backgrounds in decision-making, as set out in the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

The report sets out four recommendations, directed towards the Welsh Government as a whole, in the spirit of the need for a holistic approach to governance around the climate and nature crises. These include:

1. Fostering a political culture that visibly welcomes and values public involvement in climate action, is clear about its purpose and that is accountable for its impact.
2. Connecting a community of practice, that embeds deliberative engagement within a wider tapestry of public engagement practices in Wales.
3. Building capacity around deliberative engagement in Wales, both within Government and beyond.
4. Investing in more sustained, permanent modes of deliberative practice, alongside flagship programmes.

Download the report