Lessons learned from the Citizens’ Assembly on Climate

This spring, Sweden’s first national Citizens’ Assembly on Climate was conducted. The assembly brought together 60 randomly selected individuals (49 of whom participated throughout the entire process) to reflect Sweden’s population.

The aim of the assembly was to develop proposals on how Sweden can achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and to enrich and nuance the debate on climate issues. The assembly is part of the Fairtrans research program, which studies effective and equitable climate transitions in Sweden.

22 Concrete Proposals from the Assembly

Participants, through both digital and physical meetings, received the latest research insights, were educated on climate issues, and discussed solutions for how Sweden can meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement. On May 20, the assembly presented a joint statement, 22 concrete proposals, and 62 measures, focusing on the traffic and transportation sectors.

For example, 78 percent of members voted in favor of a specific increase in the aviation tax. The assembly also highlighted that Sweden’s environmental goals should be treated as a cross-party issue, similar to defense policy. Furthermore, valuable lessons were drawn about how individuals’ engagement and knowledge can contribute to the climate policy debate.

New Report Presented

A new report from the research project behind the assembly is now being released. A draft of the report is being launched in conjunction with a seminar in Parliament on November 27, organized by Members of Parliament Ulrika Liljeberg (Centre Party) and Peder Björk (Social Democrats), and moderated by journalist and author Erika Bjerström. The finalazed report will be released shortly after.

The seminar will feature participation from some members of the Citizens’ Assembly, as well as Daniel Lindvall, PhD in Sociology at Uppsala University, and Tim Daw, Associate Professor in Sustainability Science at Stockholm Resilience Centre, both researchers within Fairtrans.

Changes in Attitudes Within the Group

The report reveals that the group underwent a shift in attitudes toward lifestyle changes and responsibility. Several participants who were initially skeptical of certain climate measures had changed their views after the assembly process.

Moreover, participants’ conviction about the need to limit individual consumption was strengthened, although opinions remained divided on economic growth as a driver for climate transition. While support for some climate measures clearly increased, many members reported a reduction in climate anxiety after participating in the assembly process.

“The Citizens’ Assembly has shown that the competitive and polarized debate surrounding climate policy does not necessarily reflect how ordinary Swedes want to discuss the issue. Despite vastly differing starting points, assembly members succeeded in finding common ground and agreeing on several proposals and measures. This raises the question of whether it is sometimes the very debate surrounding climate policy that hinders real progress,” says Tim Daw, sustainability researcher at Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm University, and project leader for the assembly.

“It feels significant that someone like me gets the opportunity to share our work in the Citizens’ Assembly. I look forward to a discussion on how, despite our diverse backgrounds and perspectives, we were able to agree on common goals without falling into conflicts or mudslinging,” says Ulrika Månsson, a participant in the Citizens’ Assembly, ahead of the seminar in Parliament.

Seminar at the Swedish Parliament, November 27

Date: Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Time: 11:45–12:45

Location: Mittpoolen, Swedish Parliament (Sveriges Riksdag)

Registration: ragnhild.elfso@riksdagen.se

Participants:

• Members of the Citizens’ Assembly

• Daniel Lindvall, PhD in Sociology, Uppsala University

• Tim Daw, Associate Professor in Sustainability Science, Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University

• Moderator: Erika Bjerström, journalist and author who covered the Citizens’ Assembly for SVT News in spring 2024

• Ulrika Liljeberg (C) och Peder Björk (S), Members of Parliament.

The seminar will be recorded and made available for viewing afterward at https://fairtrans.nu/medborgarrad-om-klimatet/