A new OECD report shows how trust, transparency, and participation can help governments accelerate climate action – and why involving the public is not just optional, but essential.
“When citizens are informed and involved, climate policies are more likely to succeed – and trust in government grows.”
In Australia, where trust in politics is fragile and climate action remains hotly contested, a new OECD report offers timely guidance: open government – built on transparency, accountability, and real citizen involvement – is not a luxury, but a necessity for tackling the climate crisis, according to the authors of the report.
For the Albanese Labor government, the message is clear: climate leadership must mean public engagement, not just policy announcements. And for the growing movement of Community Independent candidates already preparing for the next election, this report is essential reading – a practical blueprint for how to make democracy work for people and with people in the green transition.
Rethink how to lead
To tackle the climate and environmental crisis effectively, governments need to involve everyday people in the decisions that affect them. When citizens have a say, policies are more likely to succeed – and public trust grows stronger.
One way to make this happen is for governments to rethink how they lead on climate issues by embracing the principles of open government. That means being transparent about decisions, holding leaders accountable, and actively inviting public participation.
The new OECD report explores exactly how this can be done. It highlights real-world examples from across countries in the OECD and beyond, showing how open government principles are being used to bring citizens into the heart of climate action.
“Open government is not just about access to information – it’s about shared responsibility for our collective future.”
Some governments are already leading the way, making it easier for people to access and understand environmental information – such as real-time air quality or energy data. Others are communicating more effectively through creative tools: visual dashboards, local storytelling projects, citizen science apps, and more.
Germany, for instance, has embarked on the Energiewende (“energy turnaround”), a comprehensive policy initiative aimed at transitioning to a sustainable energy system. This includes phasing out nuclear power, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing the share of renewable energy sources.
A key aspect of the Energiewende is public participation: citizens are encouraged to invest in renewable energy projects, and local communities have a say in energy planning decisions. This approach has not only accelerated Germany’s shift to renewables but also fostered public support and trust in the transition process.
Estonia offers another compelling example. Known for its advanced digital infrastructure, Estonia has developed robust open data platforms that provide citizens with real-time access to environmental information. This transparency enables individuals and organizations to make informed decisions and actively participate in environmental governance.
For instance, local governments use open data to engage communities in monitoring air quality and managing natural resources, ensuring that environmental policies are responsive to citizens’ needs and concerns.
These examples demonstrate that when governments prioritise transparency and citizen engagement, they not only enhance the effectiveness of environmental policies but also build public trust and ownership of the green transition.
But perhaps most importantly, the report highlights how public participation is being put into action – from local workshops and citizen panels to national climate assemblies. These approaches give people a voice and help build shared ownership of the solutions.
When people are well-informed, genuinely consulted, and given a role in shaping climate responses, they become powerful agents of change. The report provides a roadmap for how governments can unlock this potential – and make the green transition a democratic one.
“Open government reforms can be powerful levers to (re)build trust and ensure meaningful public participation in the green transition.”
– OECD, Open Government for the Green Transition
About the report
‘Open Government for the Green Transition‘ was published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on 27 May 2025. This comprehensive report gathers case studies and good practices from OECD and partner countries, demonstrating how open government principles can support the design and delivery of effective environmental and climate policies.
Key themes include:
- Access to environmental information
- Open green data
- Strategic public communication
- Participatory decision-making
- Empowering citizens across all levels of government
→ Download the full report (PDF, 180 pages):
Open Government for the Green Transition
What is the OECD?
The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) is an international organisation of 38 member countries. Its mission is to build better policies for better lives, with a focus on economic growth, sustainability, education, digital innovation, and public governance. The OECD supports governments with research, data, and policy advice to help tackle the world’s most pressing challenges.
→ Learn more: www.oecd.org