REPRESENTATION As highlighted, a parliamentarian’s work broadly comes under three functions. However, beyond this, there is a large degree of ambiguity as to the definition of their role. Although there are rules, standards and procedures which parliamentarians are bound to follow, in addition to different political dynamics which may determine behaviour, they also have freedom to define what type of parliamentarian they are or wish to be. This is no more evident than when the role takes parliamentarians outside the confines of parliament and as representatives of the people. The link between parliamentarians and the citizenry should be dynamic - between representative and represented whereby the needs and concerns of citizens are listened to and parliamentarians are able inform and educate the people of climate-related action that affects them. This often requires balancing technical and complex lawmaking processes with the need to promote constituent participation. In small states where citizens are directly affected to the challenges of climate change on a day-to-day basis, their input is crucial to formulating effective climate responses. The informal influence and authority that comes from being a parliamentarian can also be used to effect in building support for policy responses to climate change. The reciprocal relationship between parliamentarian and the people means that listening is essential. Parliamentarians should employ a range of methods that can provide accurate and representative views of the constituents and communities they represent. This can include holding constituency surgeries, visiting door steps or distributing petitions. Likewise, parliamentarians also have the ability to educate, campaign and advocate on climate change. The large networks, allies and collaborators, both formal and informal that a parliamentarian builds up over their career can be used to raise awareness and influence policy at the local and national level.
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CLIMATE CHANGE AND SMALL STATES
