The citizens’ council for climate is a tangible result of the climate legislation adopted in December 2019. The citizens' council will consist of 99 members, who, over the next two years, will debate citizen-relevant dilemmas and solutions related to the green transition.

A crucial point in the climate action plan is that the citizen's council is to consist of ordinary Danes. The 99 members will be selected on the criteria of age, gender, geography, education and income. Statistics Denmark will make the selection.

Solid academic foundation

In order to ensure a solid academic foundation for the citizens' council debate, an expert panel has been set up as a central part of the preparatory work prior to council meetings.

Professor Jørgen E. Olesen, who is head of the Department of Agroecology at Aarhus University, has been appointed to participate in work to ensure quality and academic balance in the themes, information material and questions for the citizen’s council.

The expert panel has just held its first meeting, and Jørgen E. Olesen is looking forward to the work ahead:

"I see it as highly relevant to involve citizens and to hear their reflections on these issues. Hearing about what problems and opportunities ordinary Danes see in the green transition is extremely valuable. I’m pleased to have been invited to join the expert panel, and I look forward to the work," says Professor Jørgen E. Olesen.

Topics dictate the future The framework for the expert panel is that it must consist of experts in climate science, economics, social aspects and more.

The members of the academic panel are expected to serve for the rest of the year. The composition can then be changed, depending on whether the citizens’ council debates move into areas requiring new expert profiles.

Contact:
Professor Jørgen E. Olesen,
Aarhus University,
Email: jeo@agro.au.dk
Telephone: 40821659