Transport climate panel

What is it about?

In the transport climate panel, ordinary residents of Helsinki can discuss the future of seamless and fair transportation from the viewpoint of residents; those living in different areas, in various family situations and on different income levels.

Panellists will receive information on transport emissions and their reduction in Helsinki, hear from experts and work in small groups. The panel will meet on two Saturdays and one or two evenings a week from May to August 2024.

The panel will draft a statement, which will then be presented to the Urban Environment Committee.

People walking and cycling in Pasila.

Who is in the panel?

A random sampling of 5,000 adults living in Helsinki were invited to the panel. Potential panellists completed a survey which the City used to compile a diverse group of 64 people anonymously. The selection criteria correspond to the population of Helsinki.
 
In addition to this, two representatives from each of the City’s inclusive bodies, i.e. the City of Helsinki Council on Disability, Elderly Citizens Council and Helsinki Youth Council, were invited to join the panel.

How does the panel differ from previous sparring groups or panels?

Helsinki is experimenting with a panel consisting of a random sampling of participants, because the City wants to expand the share of residents participating in decision-making. Receiving an invitation by name may attract people that would otherwise not actively monitor City communication or be passionate about transport.

The City pays the panellists a compensation of EUR 200 in taxable income. This allows panellists to arrange for child care or otherwise eliminate financial hurdles to participating.

The City will provide panellists with information on climate issues in transport both in advance and during the first meetings. A shared basis of knowledge will allow for a higher quality of debate.

During the panel work, we will monitor the development of the views of the panellists and their experiences of the panel’s effectiveness through surveys.