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Experts and expertise in practices of citizen engagement in climate policy: a comparative analysis of two contrasting cases

Author

Listed:
  • Lisette Beek

    (Utrecht University)

  • Niek Mouter

    (Delft University of Technology, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Transport and Logics Group)

  • Peter Pelzer

    (Utrecht University)

  • Maarten Hajer

    (Utrecht University)

  • Detlef Vuuren

    (Utrecht University
    PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency)

Abstract

The need for engaging citizens in climate policymaking is increasingly recognised. Despite indications that the form of expert involvement can strongly influence participatory processes, this remains scarcely researched. We analysed two unique and contrasting cases of citizen engagement in national climate mitigation policy: (1) the Irish Citizens’ Assembly (ICA), the first national climate assembly involving live expert presentations and face-to-face deliberations; and (2) the Participatory Value Evaluation (PVE) on Dutch climate policymaking, where more than 10,000 citizens compared policy options in an online environment based on expert-based information on policy effects. Taking a dramaturgical approach, we found that the opening up and closing down of policy options and perspectives was influenced by the setting, staging and scripting of expertise. Apart from providing information on policy options, experts had significant roles in design choices and formulating recommendations, which shaped citizens’ deliberations and policy advice. In deliberative processes, citizens’ deliberations can be further influenced by putting experts in a privileged spot and emphasising their authority, whereas in the setting of an online tool, experts’ design choices may be masked by the fact-like presentation of expertise. Future research should further investigate the role of experts and expertise across a wider range of practices. Nevertheless, we conclude that the high degree of required technical knowledge in climate mitigation policy naturally implies strong expert involvement, which concomitantly steers the results. Alternatively, we may search to enhance citizens’ engagement in guiding climate policymakers by focusing on citizens’ normative perspectives.

Suggested Citation

  • Lisette Beek & Niek Mouter & Peter Pelzer & Maarten Hajer & Detlef Vuuren, 2024. "Experts and expertise in practices of citizen engagement in climate policy: a comparative analysis of two contrasting cases," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 177(1), pages 1-22, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:177:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s10584-023-03659-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-023-03659-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lala Muradova & Hayley Walker & Francesca Colli, 2020. "Climate change communication and public engagement in interpersonal deliberative settings: evidence from the Irish citizens’ assembly," Climate Policy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 20(10), pages 1322-1335, November.
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