The messy politics of local climate assemblies

Abstract In recent years, many local authorities in the UK have run climate assemblies (LCAs) such as citizens’ or juries, with goal of developing citizen-led solutions to crisis. this essay, we argue that a ‘convenient fiction’ often underpins way authority actors explain rationale for running LCAs. This convenient fiction runs follows: LCAs are commissioned response threat, and decision-makers work through LCA recommendations implement appropriate policies their locality. We suggest narrative smooths over presents linear process is fact messy political. emerge result political pressure bargaining. Once course, extent which implemented dependent on power dynamics institutional capacities. it important surface messiness tensions underpin origins aftermath assemblies. achieves three things. First, helps manage expectations about impact likely policy process. Second, broadens understandings how can contribute change. Third, provides complex model use understand they help deliver action politics. conclude — if yet unproven new interventions politics, when assessed against more picture.