How do socio-economic inequalities shape the possibilities for democratic engagement in sustainability transformations? How can new forms of democratic participation be supported to allow different communities to shape the transition to sustainable low-carbon living?
Who gets to be heard in the shaping of low-carbon initiatives, and who is left out? How do socio-economic inequalities influence people’s ability to participate in sustainability transformations? And are new democratic practices enabling diverse communities to guide the transition to low-carbon, sustainable living?
Efforts to decarbonise the country are unfolding against a backdrop of widening inequalities and growing distrust in political institutions, making climate action increasingly contested and politicised. Building and maintaining a mandate for climate action in this context means ensuring people have a sense of ownership over changes happening around them.
People must see climate action as something happening with their consent and in ways that make their lives better, not worse. In this theme, we are exploring and supporting initiatives that address the intertwined crises of climate change and democracy. We aim to understand what enables communities to come together, participate meaningfully, and co-create fair and effective responses to climate change. This includes examining novel forms of democratic decision making —such as citizens’ juries and assemblies—as well as studying the capacity of climate initiatives to re-build a sense of collective agency and political efficacy amongst communities.