An interesting experiment in public discourse starts tonight to bring together a truly random group of Washingtonians to discuss Climate Change and what can be done to bridge the gap between beliefs to find a solution that might be acceptable to all. It’s being supported by some of our legislature. Can this work? As one of the people involved told me, “It’s an experiment being done with a rigorous framework.” Could it fail? Yes. Is it worth doing ? You bet. You can watch the assembly tonight (1/12/21) at 6PM at this link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q1_0VI71Aw\
The WA Climate Assembly will focus on answering the following question:
How can Washington State equitably design and implement climate mitigation strategies while strengthening communities disproportionately impacted by climate change across the State?
People’s Voice on Climate is the initiator and sponsor of the Washington Climate Assembly, the nation’s first climate assembly. Supported by five key State House Committee chairs, this event will gather “our state in miniature” to deliberate and ultimately answer this question: How can Washington State equitably design and implement climate mitigation strategies while strengthening communities disproportionately impacted by climate change across the State?
The Assembly itself is conducted by an independent team hired by a diverse panel of Washingtonians. People’s Voice On Climate will publicize this event and promote the Assembly’s recommendations in the Legislature and elsewhere.\\
A People’s (or Citizens’) Assembly is a democratic process that seeks to answer a question or solve a problem facing a community in a way that fairly represents the interests of people from all walks of life.
An Assembly can center around any topic; a Climate Assembly is one that centers around the problem of climate pollution.
Assemblies have been used worldwide to help shape the work of governments. At the WA Climate Assembly, members will learn about the issue of climate pollution, take time to discuss the issue and potential solutions with one another, and then make recommendations about what should happen legislatively.
The Assembly is an exciting event in which 80 Washington residents will come together remotely in Winter 2021 to learn about, discuss, deliberate, and recommend climate change solutions for consideration by the State Legislature. Participants will be chosen through a lottery so as to accurately represent the state in terms of demographics such as age, race/ethnicity, geographic distribution, and views on climate change.
Assembly Meeting Schedule
Inaugural Meeting • Watch Live on Youtube
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Tuesday, January 12
Learning Session 1:
Introduction to climate change and climate mitigation
10:00am – 1:00pm
Saturday, January 16
Learning Session 2:
Social issues & climate mitigation
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Tuesday, January 19
Learning Session 3:
Environment & climate mitigation
10:00am – 1:00pm
Saturday, January 23
Learning Session 4:
Economic issues & climate mitigation
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Tuesday, January 26
Learning Session 5:
Technology issues & climate mitigation
10:00am – 1:00pm
Saturday, January 30
Learning Session 6:
Political issues & climate mitigation
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Tuesday, February 2
Learning Session 7:
Climate action and just transitions / Bringing it all together
10:00am – 1:00pm
Saturday, February 6
Filed under: Climate Change, education, Environmental Activism, environmental education |
This is a great opportunity to work on our country’s climate crisis and democracy crisis at the same time!