Climate change: Citizens assembly to discuss Britain’s 2050 emissions target
Written by News on 25/01/2020
More than 100 specially selected members of the public will meet an expert panel in Birmingham on Saturday to discuss how Britain can reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
It’s a unique way of considering the best way to engage the British public in how to tackle climate change.
The so-called citizens assembly will meet this weekend and the next three weekends at a hotel in the city.
They are expected to hear evidence on the choices the UK faces, discuss them and then make recommendations about what should be done.
Chris Stark, chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change, which advises the government, will be attending.
The naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough will address the assembly to thank them for taking part.
Ahead of the first meeting, Sir David said: “There’s no greater challenge than climate change. I’m grateful to the 110 people from all corners of the United Kingdom who are giving up their weekends to take part in this very important discussion on how we and the United Kingdom reach net zero emissions to stop once and for all making the climate problem worse.
“These people have been picked to represent the population as a whole and they come from all walks of life and together they will deliberate carefully on behalf of us all. We should listen to what they have to say.”
He added: “I’m very much looking forward to hearing their recommendation on topics including how we should travel, what we should buy and how we should heat our homes. Everyone has a part to play in cutting emissions and should have a say in how we do this.
“I would like to say to the assembly members ‘good luck and thank you’. I’ll be following the assembly closely and I would encourage you to do so too.”
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In June 2019 the government passed into law a commitment the UK would reach net zero emissions by 2050.
That will require radical changes in many aspects of our lives.
(c) Sky News 2020: Climate change: Citizens assembly to discuss Britain’s 2050 emissions target
