Around the globe, the popular mandate for stronger climate action is unmistakable. Four out of five people worldwide want governments to do more to combat the climate crisis. Even in Europe, 85 per cent of people regard climate protection as a priority for safeguarding health, prosperity, and quality of life. Yet, despite this overwhelming public support, political responses remain slow, fragmented, and insufficient. What are the reasons for this “democratic failure” and what can be done about it? While it is widely recognised that civil liberties, a free and outspoken civil society, and a functioning judicial system are vital for putting pressure on governments, some argue that democracies have difficulties because of their slow pace – seeking compromise, negotiating between competing interests and prioritising election-winning policy over necessary action. Others point to democracy itself being under attack and experiencing its own crisis, with civil liberties being scaled back, the rule of law weakened and anti-democratic mobilisation growing. Bringing together perspectives from policy, law, academia, and civil society, we ask how the crises of climate and democracy are interlinked, and whether democratic institutions can meet the scale and urgency of the climate challenge. Who or what holds the largest potential? What forms of democratic pressure or innovations in governance can help overcome structural barriers and better represent both present and future generations? And what role can each of us in the audience play?

 

Die Veranstaltung findet in englischer Sprache statt.