Systemic inequities and power dynamics—such as privileging academic credentials over lived experience, relying on the same few individuals, or pursuing symbolic rather than genuine participation—undermine authentic, diverse, and trusted community involvement in decision-making.

Awareness, education and language accessibility: Gaps in communication, education, and outreach limit communities’ ability to connect climate issues with everyday concerns and sustain broad, intergenerational understanding.

When resources are scarce and funding structures are too rigid or short-term, communities struggle to participate fully and maintain long-term involvement.

Exclusionary participation processes and meetings erode trust and limit communities’ influence on decisions.

When coalitions and partnerships lack alignment, conflict resolution, or sustained support, competing agendas and power imbalances erode trust, displace local groups, and weaken long-term collaboration.

When systems are rigid, fragmented, or unable to retain knowledge, communities face repeated setbacks as inflexible funding, data silos, and staff turnover erase lessons learned and stall progress.