Climate Policy Communication & Public Engagement
Arne Lindahl
Supporting clear communication, participation, and public understanding in climate transition and sustainability policy.
Supporting Community Environmental Participation: Prestonpans Beach Clean
Structural Issue Identified
The Prestonpans Beach Clean initiative operated as a consistent volunteer-led environmental activity along the East Lothian coastline near the former Cockenzie Power Station site. However, despite regular participation and positive environmental impact, the initiative had limited media visibility and recognition beyond the immediate volunteer network.
Grassroots environmental initiatives often face this structural challenge: meaningful local environmental action occurs, but the work remains largely invisible to the wider community.
What problem this work relates to
Community-led environmental initiatives frequently struggle to gain broader visibility despite delivering tangible environmental benefits. Limited recognition can restrict wider participation and reduce opportunities to strengthen community engagement with environmental stewardship.
Increasing visibility and public narrative around grassroots initiatives can help reinforce participation and highlight the social foundations of environmental action.
Structural Adjustment & Implementation
I supported the initiative by developing and implementing a communications approach designed to increase visibility for the volunteers and organisers involved.
This included securing local media coverage, highlighting the leadership behind the project, and positioning the beach clean initiative within broader narratives around community environmental stewardship.
The aim was to amplify the work being carried out by volunteers and increase awareness of the initiative across the wider Prestonpans community.
Observable Effect
The initiative received local media coverage and the lead organiser was publicly recognised through the Pride of Prestonpans award. Increased visibility helped highlight the contribution of community volunteers working to protect the East Lothian coastline and strengthened public awareness of the initiative.
Related Work:
Relevant Institutions and Policy Frameworks
