The impacts of climate change are already here and are set to get more severe. In the UK, 2022 was the hottest year on record with temperatures passing 40 degrees Celcius for the first time.
Extreme heat can be dangerous, particularly for those who live in cities. Older adults, babies and children and those living with a long-term health condition or disability can be more at risk.
Hackney Council wanted to ensure that everything they do to respond to climate change is guided by fairness. That’s why they held their first Citizens’ Climate Jury to answer the question:
How can Hackney Council make sure that residents, especially those who are most affected, are protected from very hot weather as our climate changes?
Hackney Council worked closely with Involve and the Sortition Foundation to design and deliver the citizens’ jury. It’s an important part of Hackney’s engagement with the public as they figure out how best to achieve their Climate Action Plan.
A group of 15 residents were selected to take part in the jury who are broadly reflective of the Hackney population. Participants met for four sessions where they heard evidence, discussed climate issues and made a series of recommendations on what action should be taken.
The jury worked together to shape the steps the council and others can take to prepare for a changing climate. The jury’s work will make sure the council’s climate response is fair and takes into account the needs of all residents, particularly those most impacted by extreme heat.
The Hackney Citizens’ Climate Jury met over four evenings in April and May 2024.
At the end of the process, the jury made recommendations which will inform how the Council prepares for extreme heat to ensure residents can adapt to the impact of climate change.
This process will enable Hackney Council to design climate policies that positively impact protected groups, with a view to becoming a national model for just climate action that is inclusive.
In July of 2024, the report went live. You can read it below.
To find out more from Hackney Council about this project and their climate plans, follow the link here.
Photo of Hackney Marshes by Rowan Freeman on Unsplash