Benefits of introducing citizen science in climate citizens' assemblies 

Enhancing public awareness 

Citizen science plays a crucial role in making climate issues more accessible to the public. By actively participating in data collection, individuals develop a stronger connection to the environmental challenges their communities face. This hands-on involvement transforms scientific concepts into tangible experiences, fostering deeper understanding and commitment to climate action. As a result, climate citizens’ assemblies benefit from a more scientifically literate and engaged group of participants, capable of contributing informed perspectives to policy discussions. 

 Improving decision-making 

One of the key advantages of citizen science is its ability to generate large-scale, real-time data on climate-related issues. Conventional scientific research often relies on limited datasets due to budget constraints or geographical inaccessibility, but citizen participation helps bridge these gaps. By harnessing localised knowledge and first-hand environmental observations, citizen science provides a more comprehensive and diverse evidence base for climate policy. Climate citizens’ assemblies can then leverage this wealth of information to make decisions that reflect the realities on the ground. 

Democratizing science & governance 

Climate decision-making is frequently dominated by experts and political elites, leaving citizens feeling disconnected from the policies that shape their future. Citizen science offers a way to rebalance this dynamic by bringing public knowledge and experiences into the policymaking process. When people contribute their own insights, they feel a sense of ownership over climate policies, which in turn impacts on trust in governance. This participatory approach strengthens the legitimacy of climate citizens’ assemblies, ensuring that policy recommendations are informed by both scientific and experiential knowledge. 

Community resilience 

Engaging communities in citizen science initiatives does more than just generate data—it empowers people to take action. When individuals witness environmental changes in their own surroundings, they become more invested in finding solutions. This grassroots involvement leads to locally driven climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, ensuring that policies proposed in citizens’ assemblies are not only evidence-based but also feasible and relevant at the community level. By fostering a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship, citizen science helps build resilience against climate challenges while promoting behavioural changes that contribute to long-term sustainability. 

Sustainability 

Citizen science projects often begin with enthusiasm, and with the right support, this momentum can be sustained over the long term. Ensuring that participants see tangible impacts from their contributions fosters continued engagement and motivation. By implementing mechanisms for continuity, offering incentives for participation, and developing long-term strategies, climate citizens’ assemblies can effectively harness citizen science to drive meaningful and lasting policy change.