5.1 Local communication
This work package has four main objectives
• Improve public trust in local decision procedures regarding CCS by involving
stakeholders with different interests in CCS. They should reach consensus about the validity, relevance, even-handedness, and comprehensibility of information on all aspects relevant for the local CCS project at hand.
• Improve credibility of information on CCS. This is achieved if the source of communication is a coalition of parties with different interests in CCS instead of a single party.
• Improve the effectiveness of communication with residents of a CCS site. This is achieved by implementing a site-specific communication strategy that is tailored to the local circumstances. Development and adaptation of this communication strategy is based on repeated surveys among the local public.
• Make a list of do's and don'ts regarding local decision making and public communication near onshore CCS activities.
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Interventions and research will be done at two locations (or part of the intervention/research activities at three locations). So selection of locations is an important first step.
Researchers will operate very carefully when intervening in local decision making and communication. Ideally they commence their research and interventions a long time ahead of any legal decision procedure, such as MER/EIR. In case this is not possible, a tailor-made approach will be proposed.
Surveys
It is necessary to monitor residents' awareness, knowledge, and opinions not only regarding (plans for) local CCS demonstration projects but also regarding the decision procedure and information campaign utterances. This monitoring will be done by means of repeated surveys in which representative samples of residents will be unobtrusively asked about CCS, decision procedure and information campaign.
Site specific communication strategy
If the surveys indicate that the awareness of CCS among residents in the demonstration site is low and CCS is not subject to controversy and public debate, a project starts with communication to local residents. The communication strategy should be designed by experts from Leiden University in close collaboration with the PR departments from the involved companies, regional PR officers (e.g. RCI, DCMR, Energy Valley) and the CATO communication manager. The content of the communication with residents will be based on the local knowledge base build by the Stakeholder and Scientists Committee.
Public mediation strategy
If surveys indicate a strong public debate and controversy, it is useful to change to a public mediation strategy.
