The Climate Change Citizens' Panel - Session 1

Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens’ Panel - Session One, 14 June 2025

Purpose of day one

As this was the panel’s first meeting, we wanted to ensure participants:

• felt comfortable and understood what was expected of them
• were familiar with the assembly process and the reasons behind its creation
• had a basic understanding of climate change and the broader challenges it presents
• understood the local context in Elmbridge and the work already underway

Programme on the day

Welcome

Ashley Tilling, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Environmental Services and Sustainability, set out the importance of the role of the Climate Change Citizens’ Panel in helping shape the local action for climate change. He said:
 
 “We are confident that the Climate Change Citizens’ Panel, bringing together diverse life experiences, combined with insights from expert speakers, will play a vital role in shaping our local climate strategy.

Ensuring our residents’ voices are heard in the fairest and most inclusive way is a top priority, and this panel is a powerful step toward that goal. We look forward to their final recommendations.”

Talk:

Speakers

Councillor Ashley Tilling opened the session by sharing the progress Elmbridge Borough Council has made since declaring a Climate Emergency in 2019. He set the stage for the panel discussion, which aimed to tackle a vital question:
"What steps can we take locally to address climate change and protect the environment?"

Watch Cllr Tilling's video:

https://youtu.be/AwctcKjFPCQ

Dr Robin Lamboll, Research Associate, Grantham Institute, Imperial College London

Robin delivered a presentation explaining the science behind climate change, highlighting the broader challenges it poses both globally and within the UK. Watch Robin Lamboll’s talk.

Watch Dr Lamboll's video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBDS8c-q8rw

Activities

The programme kicked off with participants co-creating ground rules to encourage open dialogue and collaboration. Through activities, like group discussions, human mapping, and mapping of Elmbridge, they discovered new ways of working together and shared personal reflections on what the environment means to them.

Next session

Proposed topics for session 2: Where the local emissions come from and transport

Date: Saturday 5 July – 10:00-4:30pm

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please review our FAQs if you have a question about the Citizens’ Assembly process.  If the FAQs do not answer your question please contact us at climatechange@elmbridge.gov.uk.

Find out how we are working towards a more Sustainable Elmbridge