Unless the regular citizen identifies with them, policies that encourage environmentally friendly attitudes and lifestyles cannot be expected to achieve much. Changing people’s everyday behaviour for the sake of a better environment requires insight into how they perceive the issues at stake. Studies at University College, London analysed public awareness and understanding of global and local environmental change in two major cities in the UK and The Netherlands respectively. Findings revealed how people grow aware of key environmental issues. Recommendations hinge on improving the design of communications strategies and environmental education programmes, targeted on adults as well as on school-age constituencies.