Public Engagement and Communication - Stage 3

Public Engagement and Communications - Curated Guidance for Stage 3

Assess where you are in public engagement and communications to determine which stage you are in and identify the key activities you need to undertake as an air quality manager to go to the next stage. 

The guidance below is for Stage 3. Stage 1 and Stage 2 are also available.

Additional guidance for Stages 4 and 5 is being developed for future iterations of AQMx.

StageCapacityAvailability and transparency of dataObjectivesActivitiesSustainability Plan
01.
  • No dedicated staff for public engagement and communications activities in the air quality department, cross-government support available
  • None or limited air quality monitoring
  • Data is not shared with the public
  • Engage and inform the public and key stakeholders
  • Build trust in the air quality information and data provided
  • Share information on air pollution local sources and impacts
  • Reach out to affected communities
  • Plan awareness-raising activities
  • Donor / project dependent budget
02.
  • Dedicated staff with limited expertise on public engagement and communications for air quality
  • Air quality data from one continuous monitor and / or low- cost sensors
  • Air quality data is made available to the public upon request
  • Inform and consult the public and key stakeholders
  • Deepen trust in the air quality information and data provided
  • Establish a data transparency plan
  • Seek stakeholders’ input in decision making processes
  • Deepen outreach activities with the public
  • Donor / project dependent budget
03.
  • Dedicated staff with some expertise
  • Access to donor/project based budget for communications activities
  • Extended monitoring network with some missing / incoherent data
  • Air quality data is available online but not regularly updated
  • Consult and involve the public and key stakeholders
  • Build consensus on local sources and impacts of air pollution
  • Share data with researchers, the media and public
  • Provide health alerts during high pollution events
  • Build stakeholders capacity and involve them in the design of policies
  • Some central funding
  • Major donor / project dependent budget
04.
  • Dedicated staff with strong expertise
  • Some access to central funding for communications activities
  • Extended monitoring network providing robust data
  • Air quality data is available online and regularly updated
  • Involve and collaborate with the public and key stakeholders
  • Deepen consensus on local sources, impacts and solutions

  • Provide comprehensive real-time and historic air quality data on digital platform

  • Focus partners on reducing emissions in priority sectors
  • Finetune messaging and communications plans
  • Major central funding
  • Some donor / project dependent budget
05.
  • Dedicated staff with strong expertise and multi-disciplinary skills
  • Secured in-house budget for communications activities

 

  • Extended monitoring network providing robust, real-time data for all the territory
  • Open access of all air quality data (including raw data and data formatted to be user-friendly)
  • Collaborate and empower the public and key stakeholders
  • Foster collaborative action for clean air
  • Work with partners to design and implement comprehensive clean air plans
  • Invest in media outreach and public awareness campaigns
  • Evaluate and document impact
  • Centrally funded
  • In-house research

Data alone is rarely enough to mobilize action. Technical understanding must be coupled with effective communication and
engagement to ensure that data is put to use to raise awareness, change harmful practices and ensure that communities
breathe clean air. Even without access to regulatory-grade air monitoring data, jurisdictions can still move ahead with the
information they have to build trust and inspire collective action.

01  Staff up for communications

Engage additional human resources to support the implementation of outreach activities, including enlisting other AQ officials in your jurisdiction to assist with communication activities.  For example, ensure that monitoring staff responsible for air quality data management systems are available to ensure QA/QC protocols are in place to improve accessibility and availability of robust data for public access.  Resources should be allocated for strengthening air quality data management infrastructure and technical (personnel) capacity for air quality data analysis and also (science) communication specialists 

02 Reach out to the general public and key stakeholders

To deepen public outreach on air quality management, align your activities with the identified communication needs of the community and the available resources. Develop targeted campaigns using relatable messaging that resonates with different audience segments. Proactively share relevant data and insights with key stakeholders, including scientists, health professionals, and media representatives, to build credibility and support. Organize public forums or workshops to encourage dialogue, ensuring that community members feel informed and engaged in air quality issues and solutions. 

03 Map stakeholders

Based on your initial outreach, identify target group for capacity building and outreach activities. Assess training needs. Target groups can be vulnerable groups exposed to key emission sources identified through EI development/stakeholder inputs.

04 Conduct stakeholder consultations

Seek stakeholder input through dedicated consultations early and often during the planning and decision-making processes. Organize community workshops and surveys to encourage participation and gather diverse perspectives. Clearly communicate the purpose and techniques of your assessments, fostering transparency to gain buy-in from the public, civil society organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders. Emphasize how their buy-in on assessment methods, input data and models to be used will lead to outcomes that are more easily accepted by all sides. Explore opportunities for stakeholders to contribute to environmental indicators, emissions inventory or monitoring data, strengthening their investment in the process and outcomes, ultimately leading to more effective air quality management policies. 

05 Update your larger communications and outreach plan

Regularly revise your air quality management (AQM) outreach plan based on stakeholder feedback from consultations. Incorporate insights and suggestions to ensure your communications remain relevant and effective. Continuously assess the plan’s impact and adapt strategies as needed, fostering trust and engagement while addressing evolving community concerns about air quality.

06 Develop a website/app to make the AQ data available to the public

When developing a website and public communication tools regarding air pollution, prioritize user-friendly design and accessibility. Include integrated data from both low-cost sensors and reference instruments to provide a comprehensive view of air quality levels; however, ensure that the different data sources are clearly demarcated with appropriate caveats on the use of LCS data. Display real-time data visually, using maps and graphs that are easily interpretable by the public. Incorporate educational resources explaining the significance of air quality data, methods, and health impacts. Enhance engagement through interactive features, such as community forums or feedback options. Ensure regular updates to keep the information current, fostering trust and encouraging ongoing public participation in air quality monitoring and management initiatives.

07 Establish data sharing arrangements

Establish data-sharing arrangements by proactively engaging key stakeholders—such as scientists, health workers, and the media—through accessible and relevant channels. Highlight the benefits of sharing data, emphasizing transparency, informed decision-making, and community trust. Consider including health messaging and self-protective measures in your communications as part of an emergency action plan. Note that the implementation of a Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) will require adherence to separate Legislative, Regulatory and Implementation guidance (See Stage 3, Step 5) to ensure compliance and effectiveness in addressing air quality emergencies.

08 Provide training and capacity-building to key stakeholders

Provide targeted training and capacity-building sessions for key stakeholders on air pollution topics, including data monitoring, assessment methods, and health impacts. Tailor training to meet the specific needs of different groups, ensuring accessibility and clarity. Empower stakeholders with knowledge and tools to effectively address air quality challenges in their communities.

09 Organise consultations on your air quality management framework

Organise consultation workshops with key stakeholders to engage them in the design of AQM plans and policies. Unlike Step 3 above, here the consultations would focus on analyzing results of the assessments and identifying policies and process for clean air action planning. Communications staff should already be engaging with regulatory staff (See Legal Framework and Policy Design Guidance Stage 2, Step 9).

10 Adopt an Air Quality Index

When developing an Air Quality Index (AQI) - or adapting one used by another jurisdiction, e.g. US or EU - begin by referencing ambient air quality standards specific to your region (See Legal Framework and Policy Design Guidance Stage 2, Step 8). Ensure robust air quality data management practices, including quality assurance and control (QA/QC), supported by adequately trained staff. Integrate the AQI with other visualizations, such as maps or graphs, to enhance understanding and convey clear messages. This holistic approach minimizes public confusion, ensuring that the AQI effectively communicates air quality conditions, health impacts, and recommended actions to the community. Regularly review and update the AQI based on evolving standards and data for continued relevance and accuracy.