Citizens' Assembly for Climate of Catalonia

Frequently asked questions

What are Citizens' Assemblies, and what is their history?

Citizens' assemblies involve what are known as mini-publics, and are a mechanism for democracy and deliberative citizen participation. They involve a group of demographically representative citizens, who are randomly selected according to social stratification criteria, discussing a series of questions or challenges. This group of citizens meets in various sessions over a period of time in order to examine and deliberate on the specific problems they are called upon to address, to produce well-informed recommendations that can be useful for decision-making in public policy. The number of citizens' assemblies addressing the climate crisis has increased significantly in recent years. These assemblies have been held at regional and national level, and some notable precedents are Scotland's Climate Assembly (United Kingdom), the Citizens Convention for Climate (France), the Spanish Citizen Assembly for Climate (Spain), the Citizens' Assembly for Climate (Catalonia), and the Citizens' Climate Council (Germany), among others.

How were the participants selected?

The participants were selected by means of a stratified draw, to ensure representation of a wide range of socio-demographic profiles in Catalonia. The population sample of 20,000 people who received the invitation was based on criteria aiming to represent Catalan diversity and to include as many perspectives as possible during the assembly and in the deliberative results.

What information and knowledge do the participants receive?

The participants will be provided with various types of information, including factual information on the issues discussed, information on the policies and competences of the Generalitat de Catalunya, and the various positions identified within each issue. This content structure is particularly innovative because it aims to present the real situation in terms of formulating public policy, as every decision involves a series of advantages and disadvantages, and an overview of the subject for discussion is required. It is essential that participants are aware of the current situation regarding the Catalan energy and food and agriculture systems, and they must understand the current framework of competences, as well as the various actions carried out to date (including the global, regional and local context). With this information, the participants will be able to consider the various positions regarding the current situation and adopt a position regarding 'where we are going' and above all, emphasising 'how to do it'.

How does deliberation take place in the working sessions?

Deliberation in the working sessions will involve dynamics, debates and activities led by experts in deliberative democracy. As the Assembly has a total of 100 participants divided into two groups of 50 (working on one topic each), sub-groups for discussion will be established. The main criterion for the creation of these groups and sub-groups is diversity, as this will ensure that as many views as possible are reflected in this deliberative process.

What financial compensation do participants receive?

Each participant will receive financial compensation of €65 for each session. Please note that attendance for a total of 6 sessions is required.

What facilities are provided for participation, and how can I find out more?

In order to participate in the Assembly, the participants selected will be provided with transport services, care services and also financial compensation. You can find out about the facilities provided by telephoning 012.

Will there be a care service during the sessions?

Yes. Care services will be available to participants during the Assembly sessions. This service must be requested in the registration form, and the participant's needs will be confirmed after the participants selected have been contacted. The care services are for participants who are responsible for dependents or children, in order to ensure that they can participate under the same conditions as the other members. You can find out about the facilities provided by telephoning 012.