Citizen Proposals and E-Proposals

You can help put climate issues on the agenda in your municipality by submitting a citizen proposal (in some municipalities called e-proposals) that addresses climate concerns. Below you will find a template for a citizen proposal to introduce climate education for elected representatives and municipal staff. This is just one example of many citizen proposals that can have an impact on the climate. Other proposals could be “Halve the meat in public meals,” “Extend the lifespan of municipal work clothing” (as being tested in Karlstad municipality), or something entirely different.

In Sweden, there are 290 municipalities. Of these, around 200 have introduced the possibility for citizens to submit proposals. Usually, a citizen proposal needs to receive a certain number of votes in order to be discussed in the municipal council. The required number of votes depends on the size of the municipality. For example, 15 votes are required in Åre municipality and 65 votes in Östersund municipality for a proposal to be discussed.

Introduce Climate Education for All Elected Representatives

It is entirely reasonable that elected representatives and municipal staff have a basic understanding and education on climate change. Decisions made in municipalities affect both the climate and how residents are impacted by climate change. Municipalities are responsible for physical planning, transportation, energy supply, water management, and emergency preparedness—areas that directly influence emissions and vulnerability. By choosing sustainable solutions, municipalities can reduce their climate impact while also protecting residents from effects such as flooding, drought, and extreme weather. In this way, municipal decisions are central to both climate mitigation and adaptation.

In Karlstad municipality, all elected representatives in committees and company boards completed an environmental and climate training during 2023 and 2024. The training has since been rolled out to all municipal employees and affiliated companies. Umeå municipality has also included this as a concrete measure in its action program, stating: “carry out annual environmental and climate training for elected representatives.”

Communication to Gain More Votes for the Proposal

To gather enough votes, in addition to asking friends and family for support, you can contact local climate and environmental organizations such as Klimatklubben, the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, and Rebellmammor, and ask them to share the proposal in their channels.

Suggested text for spreading information about the proposal:
“Vote for a citizen proposal for the climate and a better future – introduce mandatory climate education for elected representatives and relevant municipal staff in [X] municipality!

Climate change is one of the most complex and urgent challenges of our time. Municipalities play a crucial role in the transition. Therefore, it is a major advantage if decision-makers in [X] municipality are well informed about climate issues and their consequences. If you agree—vote for the proposal so it can be brought before the municipal council.”

Link to the citizen proposal.

Template: Citizen Proposal for Climate Education

Proposal

I propose that [X] municipality introduce mandatory climate education for all elected politicians and relevant municipal staff. The training should be conducted at the beginning of each new term of office and upon new employment.

Background and Justification

Climate change is one of the most complex and urgent challenges of our time. Municipalities play a decisive role in the transition—through planning, procurement, investments, and local decisions, both emissions and climate adaptation are directly affected. For these decisions to be well-founded, it is important that decision-makers share a common and up-to-date understanding of climate science and its consequences.

[OPTIONAL – municipality-specific section – what is your municipality particularly vulnerable to? Adapt to your local context:]

[X] is a municipality particularly sensitive to climate change. Reduced snow reliability/changed conditions for water supply with risk of water shortages/coastal areas that increase the risk of flooding during storms and rising sea levels/increased risk of landslides and erosion/changed precipitation patterns affecting nature—these issues directly impact businesses, tourism, and residents. Despite this, there is currently no structured climate education for municipal decision-makers.

Suggested Training Options

It is important that the training is of high quality, research-based, and strengthens the organization’s capacity to act.
There are currently several established climate education programs that meet these criteria:

• The Week – a six-hour course delivered physically or digitally over three sessions. The municipality can facilitate the course, which covers biodiversity, pollution, and climate change, using films and group reflection.
• Climate Knowledge for Local Leaders by Klimatkommunerna – consists of two self-study modules with discussion questions.
• 1.5° Lifestyles: Mainstreaming Everyday Sustainability by Lund University
• The Climate Solutions Workshop by Climate Interactive and MIT Sloan
• Climate Fresk workshop

Conclusion

Knowledge is the foundation of good decision-making. By ensuring that politicians and municipal staff in [X] municipality share a common knowledge base on climate issues, we strengthen the conditions for a long-term sustainable and thriving municipality—for residents, businesses, and future generations.