Reflections on enabling intergenerational dialogue about climate interventions through deliberative methods

In this viewpoint, we draw on an intergenerational project on the theme of climate interventions involving young people (63), scientists and policy makers (22), social science researchers (5) and an artist. We argue that democratisation of research, including through the meaningful involvement of young people, is needed to identify and implement research priorities which benefit all society. The intergenerational conversations took place during a project to rethink public dialogue, using question creation and the development of illustrated facilitation tools with an artist, to support youth-led dialogue with experts, in this case scientists and policymakers. We identified three phases of deliberative methods which all involved intergenerational dialogue including (1) knowledge development and question generation, (3) development of facilitation tools, (2) youth-led workshop with experts. We highlight how intergenerational dialogue can play an important role in forming and sustaining the spaces and relationships needed to hold scientists and policymakers to account. Deliberative methods can support trusting relationships between different groups and can overcome the challenges of polarisation and deference to experts. Challenges remain regarding the ways in which approaches support opportunities for intergenerational dialogue on climate interventions to be made available for all young people.