This Declaration on public engagement in climate change was unveiled during an official side event organised by Ecsite within the COP15 conference in Copenhagen on 15 December 2009, entitled “Science centres, museums and aquaria commit to action on climate change.” The side event was organised in conjunction with the World Ocean Network, and took place within the framework of the ACCENT project.

This declaration establishes that considering the wealth of scientific research, Ecsite members acknowledge climate change to be a serious global threat. It states that public engagement in climate change demands a partnership approach: for results of research to be made available, to enable public understanding and engagement, in order to inform policy.