Like economic growth, successful action to prevent climate change depends on the support of three actors - the public, government and business. As voters and consumers, the public have an important role to play in driving change, thus correctly engaging and inspiring them is crucial.

Whilst the publication from Green Alliance focuses on how politicians can improve their communication of climate change policies to the public, there are also many insights for businesses.

One such example is the importance of using language correctly to frame the climate change debate. In his article, Prof. George Lakoff highlights how the phrase "protecting the environment" has lead to a perception of the environment as a victim of our practices. He argues that the focus should instead be our dependence on nature and how our actions are threatening "what gives us, and everything else, life."

The relationship between businesses and their consumers is complex but needs to be correctly understood in order to tackle the challenge of climate change.

PepsiCo are partners of the Green Living Consortium, which sponsors the publication, as part of our commitment to develop thinking on the long term challenges associated with climate change. In 2008 we highlighted the difficulties for business when consumer demand encourages decisions that harm the environment. Issues such as this need to be understood and examined if businesses are to grow yet continue to reduce their impact on the environment.

The partners in the Green Living Consortium are Green Alliance, Asda, Scottish Power, Groundwork, WRAP, PepsiCo and Kellogg's. Green Alliance has formed a number of powerful coalitions with business, charities and other organisations, and driven environmental policy and action in several key areas.