Our latest climate assembly is now underway in Cumbria. The Cumbria Climate Assembly is focussed on ensuring the voices of everyday residents are heard and can influence local climate policies.

The need for impactful ways for residents to have their say has never been stronger. Already this year we have seen the growing impact of climate change on our weather and our communities. January 2025 was the warmest on record globally, and Northern England was particularly dry, seeing little over half of the average February rainfall.

Is our voice being heard?

However, the latest ‘Life in the UK’ report from Ipsos and CarnegieUK shows that the UK’s ‘democratic wellbeing’, which includes people’s perception of their ability to influence decisions that affect them, is at an all time low. 

Headline statistics include 72% of people feeling that they cannot influence decisions affecting the UK as a whole, and 55% believing that they are unable to influence decisions at a local level. North West England, which includes Cumbria, scores significantly below the national average.

In Cumbria, we’re asking people what needs to happen for this to change.

Our Cumbria Climate Assembly focuses explicitly on people’s ability to feel heard and influence decision-making on climate change. 

What is the Cumbria Climate Assembly?

This March saw the launch of the Cumbria Climate Assembly. It is being facilitated by Shared Future, in partnership with Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council. The members of the Cumbria Climate Assembly will meet over six sessions to answer the question:

“Many people in Cumbria feel unheard and unable to influence those who make decisions on climate change action. What can be done about this? ”

Agencies supporting the Assembly include the University of Cumbria, Cumbria Action for Sustainability, Enterprising Cumbria and the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.

The Cumbria Climate Assembly brings together 40 people chosen at random from across the county to deliberate for 30 hours. Using a process known as Sortition it reflects the diversity of the local population.

During March and April 2025, participants will hear from a range of speakers, discuss key issues, and work together to make recommendations that will be presented to local decision-makers.

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