Vuurproef voor democratie

Overview & Synopsis

The Earth is warming, the climate is changing, and weather is becoming more extreme. At the same time, democracy is also overheating. Consider the impact of social media on public debate, the rise of anti-rule-of-law movements, and unwanted foreign interference in elections. Taken together, the themes of climate and democracy are particularly interesting. Climate change does not respect national borders, requires courageous long-term decisions, and is so complex and challenging that it makes public debate difficult. At the same time, climate issues are giving rise to surprising new forms of democracy, from citizens’ assemblies to groundbreaking climate litigation. In this sense, the climate crisis is a crucial test for democracy. How can we develop effective climate policy while also strengthening democracy?