Dutch Citizens to Shape Climate Policy through Assembly
Gelderland, Monday, 17 February 2025.
The Dutch government funds a citizens’ assembly with 175 participants to influence climate policies, highlighting a national commitment to inclusive climate decision-making.
Government Investment in Climate Dialogue
The Dutch government has allocated a substantial budget of 6 million euros to facilitate the ‘burgerberaad klimaat’ (citizens’ climate assembly) [1]. This initiative, which brings together 175 randomly selected Dutch residents, represents an investment of approximately 35,000 euros per participant [1]. The assembly marks a significant step in democratizing climate policy discussions in the Netherlands, with Minister Sophie Hermans emphasizing the importance of public engagement in climate and environmental matters [1].
Industry Engagement and Implementation
The citizens’ assembly has already begun making an impact, with the first meetings being officially opened by Ministers Sophie Hermans and Judith Uitermark in January 2025 [2]. The initiative is garnering attention from various sectors, including the greenhouse horticulture industry, which recently engaged with the National Climate Citizens’ Assembly to share insights about sustainable practices [3]. This cross-sector involvement demonstrates the comprehensive approach being taken to address climate challenges.
Local Government Integration
The implementation of climate initiatives is also being coordinated at the municipal level, with local governments actively incorporating climate considerations into their planning processes. For instance, in Arnhem, the citizens’ climate assembly has been added to the municipal agenda [4], showing how national climate dialogue initiatives are being integrated into local governance structures.
Future Developments and Resources
While the initial budget is set at 6 million euros, there are ongoing discussions about potential additional funding [1]. The assembly’s organizers have submitted requests for additional resources [1], highlighting the comprehensive nature of this democratic experiment in climate policy-making. The initiative represents a significant step toward participatory democracy in environmental policy-making, with meetings and deliberations scheduled throughout 2025 [GPT].