Hackney’s Citizens’ Climate Jury makes its recommendations
Hackney’s first ever Citizens’ Climate Jury of 15 local people — including a carer, brewer and retired teacher — has made a series of recommendations on how the borough can prepare for hot weather and heatwaves, a key risk as London’s climate changes.
Over the course of four workshops during April and May, participants heard evidence from a range of speakers, discussed the problems that extreme heat can cause, and explored ways that Hackney can prepare, adapt and respond to a changing climate.
The group has now made a series of nine recommendations to the Council on how it and everyone in the borough can work together to prepare for the risk of heatwaves in a fair way that protects those who are most at risk.
The jury’s recommendations focus on six key themes - greening; vulnerable groups; new builds; communications and community engagement; hospital care; and upgrading existing buildings.
By July, Hackney Council will consider and publish their response to all the recommendations to let residents know how they will be taken forward as part of the Council’s Implementation Plan, which sets out how the borough will end its contribution to climate change in a way that is equitable and inclusive.
One of the members of the jury, Addie, reflected on her initial expectations for taking part in the jury. She said: “When I heard about the opportunity, I was slightly surprised but also really pleased about the fact that the Council were really willing to create this kind of space to hear people’s views. It suggested to me that they’re actually willing to do something about it.”
Another member of the jury, Archie, said: “At first I was a little sceptical, but actually it got off to a really strong start and everyone was engaging and it felt really open.”
Participant Tonte added: “I think it's fantastic. We have people who came to speak to us about climate change, and at the end of the day we will make recommendations for the Council to support people in the community, which is great.”
Members of the jury were selected by lottery to ensure the group broadly reflected the borough’s population across a number of characteristics including age, gender, and ethnicity.
After learning more about some of the potential solutions and adaptations to extreme heat, participant Archie said: “I definitely feel much more hopeful about tackling the major effects of climate change.”
Addie added: “I’m really embracing this opportunity. If I can manage to create a little change in my little borough, in my little part of London, then if Hackney can achieve it, what can other boroughs achieve?”
The Citizens’ Climate Jury was designed and independently facilitated by public engagement specialists Involve. Participants were recruited by Sortition Foundation.
For updates on the Council’s response to the jury’s recommendations, sign up to the Greener Hackney newsletter: https://hackney.gov.uk/newsletters
What is a citizens’ jury?
A citizens’ jury brings together a group of people, selected by lottery, who broadly reflect the entire community. The participants learn about a topic, discuss ideas, and then make recommendations about what should happen and how things should change. Citizens’ juries are particularly effective for addressing complex or controversial issues. Bringing in the informed judgement of the public helps decision makers to tackle these issues in a way that works for everyone.
Working in partnership with this group of local residents, who make up the Citizens’ Climate Jury, is key to helping us respond to climate change and create a greener and healthier Hackney.
By listening to and understanding their personal experiences and local insights, we can continue to ensure that our Climate Action Plan considers those most at risk and really works for our residents.
Cllr Mete Coban MBE, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport