The greenest jury in Leeds gets together to tackle climate change

But, despite nobody being on trial and an absence of gavels and wigs, the verdict could be a substantial one for the future of our planet.

The Leeds Climate change jury was set up for ordinary people to help advise the council on its policies to help combat the impacts of climate change in the city.

It follows Leeds City Council’s declaration of a climate change emergency earlier this year, and is supported by academics and experts in the field.

One of the organisers, professor of urban futures at Leeds University Paul Chatterton said: “We are getting 25 people together to deliberate on an issue.

“The idea is that they will build up an understanding on the topic they they will come up with good recommendations.”

He added that, over the nine sessions so far, the jury have listened to various experts, described as “witnesses” to discuss how the city is set to be affected by climate change.

He said: “I was very impressed at the level of engagement and discussion, as well as how diverse the group was.

“They will be creating recommendations that we will be giving [Leeds City Council] for them to consider.”

The LDRS managed to get the views of some of the jurors, although each had to remain anonymous.

One said: “I have previously been on a court jury many years ago and felt that this would be a good opportunity to hear the truth about an issue which has been attracting a lot of attention. I am also keen to make a contribution and spread the word to as many people that are prepared to listen to the facts.

“The more we upset the natural balance of the Earth, the loss of it’s beauty and abundance will be for future generations to experience.”

Another added: “I just want to know what’s going on with the climate – what it’s about and what they are going to

do.”

Several of the members said it had caused them to change some of their own behaviours, with one adding: “I’ve now one to two days a week without meat and have pretty much phased out beef. [I have] also trying to cut my electric and gas use a bit more – It’s not much, but every little

helps.

Another added: “It has made me think in more detail about my lifestyle and how I can be more efficient, ie waste loss, use less energy. It has made me want to influence my family and friends, telling them about what I have learned. It has made me think about how my actions can affect others in the world.”

So what is it?

The idea was put together by Leeds Climate Change Commission – a group of council officers and academics with responsibility and expertise in climate change. They are helped by “facilitators” who make sure everyone has a fair say.

The jury started on September 12 this year, and is set to have run for nine sessions, before ending on November 3.

The findings of the jury are set to be presented to Leeds City Council’s climate emergency advisory committee, which can make formal recommendations to the council’s decision-making executive board.

How was the Jury selected?

Back in August, 4,000 households across Leeds received letters inviting them to express interest. Of those who responded, 25 were chosen as a representative sample by the Sortition Foundation – an organisation that promotes random selection in decision making.

What will happen afterwards?

The recommendations from each member will become part of a report, with recommendations on what Leeds can do to help combat climate change in the city.