Citizens' forum: Sustainable consumption, climate-friendly economy

What is it all about?

Climate change is no longer just a distant threat, but is already having a tangible impact on our daily lives. From extreme weather events to rising sea levels, the consequences of climate change are tangible. But despite the serious dangers, climate-friendly behavior has not yet become the norm. Many people would like to behave in a climate-friendly way, but encounter obstacles in everyday life. This is not least due to a lack of incentives, ignorance, a lack of infrastructure and availability or economic and political interests that run counter to the fight against climate change. However, at a time when the entire European Union has already used up all the resources available to it for 2024 on May 3, 2024, it is more urgent than ever to make climate-friendly behavior the "new normal". However, there are numerous challenges that need to be overcome along the way - including creating the right political framework conditions. The Citizens' Forum is therefore intended to develop proposals for solutions to make climate-friendly behavior the "new normal" as part of everyday life.

The aim of the citizens' forum is to discuss the need for change in our current economic and consumption practices. We want to talk about the obstacles that often stand in the way of sustainable consumption and climate-friendly behavior in everyday life and how these could be solved. The discussion will focus on various actors (e.g. government, business, consumers) and analyze what role they play and what responsibility they bear.

We are interested in your opinion, your everyday experiences and your thoughts on these topics. The Citizens' Forum offers a space for exchange on which values and guidelines should be decisive on the path to socio-ecological transformation.

How is the Citizens' Forum organized?

The Citizens' Forum will take place on a weekend from Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime. On Friday evening there will be a thematic and organizational introduction and the opportunity to get to know the other participants. The main part of the event will take place on Saturday. During the course of Saturday, small groups will work out what obstacles stand in the way of climate-friendly behavior and what incentives would be needed to make climate-friendly behavior easier. In addition, we will discuss which actors should bear responsibility for the fight against climate change and what they could do. Goals and recommendations will be developed in small thematic groups. On Sunday morning, we cordially invite you to optionally participate in our supporting program.

During the Citizens' Forum, most of the discussions will take place in small groups of around 10 people. The group discussions will be moderated. Material will also be prepared that can be used by the participants as a discussion aid.

You do not need any prior knowledge for the Citizens' Forum. We will look at all the information we discuss together at the citizens' forum.

Who is organizing the Citizens' Forum?

The Citizens' Forum is part of the EU project REAL DEAL. As part of this research project, innovative instruments and formats are being tested to improve citizen participation on climate policy issues at European level. As in Berlin, various formats are being tested and evaluated in around 13 other European countries. The Citizens' Forum is organized by the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) Potsdam, Dialogik, the Global Climate Forum (GCF) and the Forum Environment and Development.

When and where will the Citizens' Forum take place?

The Citizens' Forum will take place from Friday, June 7 to Sunday, June 9, 2024 in Berlin at the Hotel Rossi.

For all those who need overnight accommodation in Berlin, we have reserved sufficient rooms at the Motel One, not far from Berlin Central Station and the event venue.

You will receive full board when participating in the program (2 x breakfast, 1 x lunch and 2 x dinner). In addition, you will receive an expense allowance of EUR 250 for your participation and travel expenses.