My partners in pushing for the opening of a participatory Technology Assessment agency are involved in the first global citizens dialogue on climate change (this is one example of “public participation” or “citizen input” in science policy): Professor David Guston of Arizona State University and Dr. Richard Sclove, founder of the LOKA Institute. Now, YOU are invited to weigh in via one of seven citizen forums but you’ll need to apply for consideration by July 30th.

Organized globally by The Danish Board of Technology and The Danish Cultural Institute, World Wide Views on Global Warming is the first time citizens around the world will have the opportunity to deliberate among themselves and vote on some of the key questions on climate change and know that their ideas and recommendations will actually have impact; the resulting information in each location around the globe will be provided to that country’s delegates to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15), to be held December 7-18, 2009, in Copenhagen.

On September 26, 2009, day-long citizen deliberations will take place in over 40 countries as part of World Wide Views on Global Warming.  Arizona State University is the location for one of seven forums being conducted in the United States, and is being organized by ASU’s Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes.  Applications are now being accepted for the demographically reflective group of 100 participants.  Interested members of the public can apply easily by filling out a short survey online at cspo.org/wwvapplication, or they may call (480) 727-9010.  The deadline for applying is July 30, 2009. (Apply for other locations here.) Selected participants will be notified in mid-August.  Participants will receive a stipend to offset their expenses for the day, and lunch will be provided.