What is a Climate Assembly?

Assembly: a group of people gathered together in one place for a common purpose

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.​

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Learn more in our Resources section.

How does it work?

Democracy in action

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. 

These everyday people will come together virtually to learn the facts around climate change; hear a variety of perspectives from experts, tribal representatives, and other stakeholders; consider potential actions; and discuss what they think should happen. Then, the Assembly will offer recommendations to elected officials and the wider public, which can be turned into laws. 

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Learn about our Sortition Methodology.

How can I get involved?

Join a virtual Assembly for Washingtonians

The virtual WA Climate Assembly brings together diverse groups of people who reside in Washington State to discuss how our state can reduce climate pollution.

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Although Assembly member Learning Sessions are now finished, there are a number of ways you can contribute to the process, including reviewing draft policy recommendations from Assembly members and promoting the Assembly and its recommendations.

The public is encouraged to review the final report of the WA Climate Assembly process below.

Follow the conversation

WA Climate Assembly Videos

Watch the recorded inaugural meeting and learning sessions below. Each live streamed video will be published below after each session as well as to our Youtube channel. 

See Assembly Meeting schedule here.

Worldwide Climate Assembly Videos

Watch videos of Climate Assemblies around the world.