How to win the argument on climate change

The report argues that climate policy is often contested because it creates winners and losers, necessitating a strategic communication and policy plan. The proposed five-point plan includes: simplifying the narrative through relatable examples and imagery; creating a positive message focused on the transformational benefits of a low-carbon transition; designing policy packages that compensate 'losers' (such as through payments for ecosystem services); building broad, long-term political consensus to avoid policy reversals; and maintaining a relentless focus on implementation. The author emphasizes 'climate compatible development,' where mitigation, adaptation, and development goals are integrated to ensure climate action does not hinder poverty eradication.

• The author proposes a five-step plan to win the public and policy argument on climate change: find a simple way to tell the story, create a positive message on transformational benefits, craft policy packages that aid transition and help losers, build a leadership group for long-term consensus, and focus relentlessly on implementation.

APA

Maxwell, S. (2014). How to win the argument on climate change. Climate and Development Knowledge Network. http://cdkn.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Simon-Maxwell-How-to-win-the-argument-on-climate-change.pdf

Chicago

Maxwell, Simon. How to win the argument on climate change. Climate and Development Knowledge Network, 2014. http://cdkn.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Simon-Maxwell-How-to-win-the-argument-on-climate-change.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Maxwell |first1=Simon |title=How to win the argument on climate change |publisher=Climate and Development Knowledge Network |date=March 2014 |url=http://cdkn.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Simon-Maxwell-How-to-win-the-argument-on-climate-change.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{maxwell2014how, author = {Maxwell, Simon}, title = {{How to win the argument on climate change}}, institution = {Climate and Development Knowledge Network}, year = {2014}, month = mar, url = {http://cdkn.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Simon-Maxwell-How-to-win-the-argument-on-climate-change.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }