National Climate Citizens’ Assembly convenes for first session

The Nationaal Burgerberaad Klimaat (National Climate Citizens’ Assembly) held its inaugural meeting Saturday, bringing together 175 randomly selected citizens to discuss climate policy over the next six months. The group, drawn to reflect the diversity of Dutch society, will deliver its recommendations to the cabinet in September.

The discussions focus on three key areas, said Nienke Meijer, chair of the burgerberaad: “How can we eat, travel, and use goods in the Netherlands in ways that are better for the climate?” Participants include individuals with a wide range of perspectives, from those deeply concerned about climate change to those who are not worried at all.

The concept of a climate-focused citizen assembly originated during the tenure of the previous cabinet and Tweede Kamer. However, the current government adopted the plan, Meijer explained.

On Saturday, two ministers briefly addressed the participants: Sophie Hermans, Minister for Climate and Green Growth, and Judith Uitermark, Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. Meijer noted that both coalition and opposition parties have expressed interest in the outcomes, with a shared intent to “listen to citizens.”

An initial invitation to join the burgerberaad was sent to 70,000 people across the Netherlands. Of the 4,070 who responded, 175 participants were selected by lottery to ensure a representative sample of the population in terms of gender, age, location, and education.

Once the recommendations are presented in September, they will be debated in the Tweede Kamer. “I truly hope that some of the advice will be implemented,” Meijer said.

The Nationaal Burgerberaad Klimaat has drawn inspiration from similar initiatives abroad, including in France. Meijer highlighted the importance of political follow-up, saying, “That political engagement is critical, so it’s encouraging to see the involvement of politicians.”