The National Citizens’ Climate Consultation was a major experiment that leaves us wanting more. The consultation reflects society in terms of age, educational background, place of residence and view on climate change. Although fierce climate sceptics had to work alongside Dutch citizens who were, in fact, deeply concerned, the group nevertheless arrived at potentially ‘impactful recommendations’ through ‘constructive discussions’, the researchers conclude. The report, running to over two hundred pages, states that the democratic innovation was a ‘success’. “And that is remarkable when you consider how difficult this issue is,” says Kristof Jacobs.
National Citizens' Climate Consultation presents impactful recommendations to policymakers
Researcher and associate professor Kristof Jacobs, together with The Hague University of Applied Sciences and Tilburg University, coordinated the National Citizens’ Climate Consultation. No fewer than 175 Dutch citizens met on several occasions over a six-month period to help the government break the deadlock on climate policy. And with success!
Greater mutual understanding
The initiative came from the Rutte IV government, the deliberations took place under the Schoof government, and the recommendations are to be implemented under the Jetten government. Moreover, citizens’ consultations are never without risk. “Without proper guidance, they can actually increase polarisation.” But in the Netherlands it was indeed a success, particularly due to the intensive role of the moderators. “In terms of substance, the polarisation did not decrease,” says Jacobs. But what Jacobs finds more remarkable is that the polarisation between participants did decrease on an ‘affective’ – or human – level. Jacobs observed how, with each meeting, participants gained a greater understanding of one another, despite their differences. “Around 94 per cent of participants were willing to accept the outcome afterwards. Given how far apart the opinions were, that is impressive.” Even at the end, the participants did not agree on the severity of climate change, says Jacobs, but were able to find common ground on these measures.
An important addition to democracy
If implemented properly, citizens’ consultations are an important addition to democracy, the researchers argue. And they are worth repeating in the Netherlands, particularly on ‘contentious’ topics such as nitrogen, asylum and security.
Interested in reading the full article in Trouw? View it here: https://edu.nl/wufrw.
Download the report here and read more about the research: https://edu.nl/wcqwq.
Discover an earlier interview with Kristof Jacobs about the citizens’ consultation here: https://edu.nl/4dnx4.
Contact information
More information? Please get in touch with Kristof Jacobs.
- Contact
- Dr K.T.E. Jacobs (Kristof)
- Organizational unit
- Nijmegen School of Management, Institute for Management Research, Political Science
