Dutch citizens’ climate assembly holds first meeting to shape advice for government
A 175-member National Citizens’ Assembly on Climate of the Netherlands has held its first meeting.
The participants met in the city of Amersfoort on 18 and 19 January with Sophie Hermans, minister for climate and green growth, and Judith Uitermark, minister for the interior and kingdom relations. The gathering kicked off a six-month programme during which the group will meet five more times before producing an advisory report for the government that responds to the guiding question: How can we eat, travel and use goods in the Netherlands in ways that are better for the climate?
Uitermark commented: “We must make policy that is about people with people. This is the first time that a national citizens’ assembly on climate has been held in the Netherlands. It offers the inhabitants of this country a unique opportunity to let us hear their opinions and ideas very directly. A citizens’ assembly also gives a good picture of how people think about this subject in the Netherlands and helps to find widely supported solutions.”
‘Complicated choices’
The assembly was selected in December from 4,070 applicants. Participants were chosen in a lottery-style draw considering factors such as gender, age, level of education, place of residence and opinion on climate policy to ensure a representative reflection of Dutch society. The government says that a citizens’ assembly “helps to make complicated choices” and “ensures better political decisions and better climate plans” that are “fair and feasible”.
Hermans said: “This citizens’ assembly is an important step in giving people a voice in national climate policy. Because what we are going to do to make the Netherlands cleaner and more prosperous affects us all and requires something from everyone. We have to do this together: governments, companies and the people in this country. That is why we are asking the citizens’ assembly for advice on how we can do this together.”
Read more: Climate concerns persist in 2025 but faith in government action wanes
Government response
The citizens’ assembly will prepare its recommendations following the final meeting in June. Within six months, the government must provide an update on recommendations that will be adopted as well as those that won’t and why as outlined in an Institutional Decree. Within a year, the government will also provide an update on actions that have been taken based on the advisory report.
The Netherlands’ citizen’s climate assembly takes inspiration from similar initiatives in countries such as France. In the Netherlands, members receive €120 per month for their participation. A scientific advisory board provides information and advice.
As outlined in the 2019 Climate Act, the Dutch government aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 49% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, and achieve a 95% reduction by 2050.
About Sarah Wray
Sarah has over 15 years’ experience as a journalist with a specialism in the public sector and topics such as digitalisation and climate action. Sarah was formerly the editor of Cities Today and Smart Cities World, as well as a specialist video-based publication in the aerospace sector. She has also written for publications including Smart Cities Dive, Mobile Europe, Mobile World Live and Computer Weekly.
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