Sending letters to decision-makers

Co-signed or individual letters to decision-makers are usually used as resistance or adaptation coping strategies. They communicate specific perspectives to decision-makers, and try to influence decisions. They are a form of lobbying. Co-signed letters signify that there is consensus amongst the signatories.

When actors send letters to decision-makers, they often simultaneously provide the full letter, or a sense of the contents, to the media. This is done to put additional pressure on decision-makers by bringing extra attention to the topic. Letters can be sent by anyone including citizens, NGOs, companies, other levels of government, scientists, or other actors.

Letters are often effective in advancing conversations about transition pathways. Depending on the signatories, and their level of political influence, letters can sometimes succeed in producing changes to policies or decisions. Letters are common from early transition stages when rhetorical battles over transition pathways begin. However, they are used at all transition stages.