Permanent Climate Assembly - Brussels Environment
- jonmoskovic
- Dec 12, 2024
- 2 min read
Design
The Permanent Climate Assembly in Brussels is the world first permanent Climate citizens' assembly launched to involve citizens in policymaking related to climate and environmental issues. It operates within the framework of the Brussels Region and represents a significant step toward institutionalizing deliberative democracy.
Objectives
Citizens’ Participation in Climate Policy: The assembly provides ordinary citizens with the opportunity to contribute to the design and oversight of policies addressing climate change and environmental challenges.
Institutional Integration: It is a permanent body, integrated into the institutional structures of Bruxelles Environnement, to ensure sustained citizen involvement rather than one-off consultations.
Policy Recommendations: The assembly is tasked with producing well-considered recommendations for the regional government and Parliament.
Structure
Lottery-Selected Citizens: Participants are randomly selected to ensure a diverse and representative group reflecting the demographics of Brussels.
Permanent Nature: Unlike traditional citizens' assemblies that are temporary, this body operates continuously, with rotating membership.
Expert Support: Members are supported by experts who provide them with the necessary knowledge and context to deliberate effectively on complex issues.
Process
The assembly works in cycles, focusing on specific climate-related topics.
Participants deliberate over weeks or months, informed by expert presentations and stakeholder input.
Recommendations are then presented to policymakers, who are expected to respond and potentially implement them.
Significance
The Assemblée Permanente pour le Climat is part of a broader trend of institutionalizing citizens’ assemblies, a move seen as crucial to strengthening democratic governance and addressing urgent global challenges like climate change. It positions Brussels as a leader in innovative democratic practices, building on its experience with deliberative committees in Brussels as well.
This model aims to inspire similar initiatives in other regions and countries, promoting a participatory approach to tackling the climate crisis.
