Published
Mar 25, 2020Page count
162 pagesISBN
978-1529206029Dimensions
203 x 127 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Mar 25, 2020Page count
162 pagesISBN
978-1529206043Dimensions
Imprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Mar 25, 2020Page count
162 pagesISBN
978-1529206043Dimensions
Imprint
Bristol University PressIn the media
On our blog: Five things every government needs to do to tackle the climate emergency
'The stark truth about UK government climate action: there is no one in charge' in The Conversation
'A MISSION FOR SORTITION: citizens’ assemblies & the climate crisis' on Reasons to be Cheerful with Ed Miliband and Geoff Lloyd
'Strangers in a room, hammering out climate solutions together' in Boston Globe
'Netting zero' in Institute for Government
'Coal culture wars are generated by money and power' in The Times
'La crise climatique est une question de démocratie' in Liberation
''I don't want to be seen as a zealot': what MPs really think about the climate crisis' in The Guardian
Scientists are clear that urgent action is needed on climate change, and world leaders agree. Yet climate issues barely trouble domestic politics. This book explores a central dilemma of the climate crisis: science demands urgency; politics turns the other cheek. Is it possible to hope for a democratic solution to climate change?
Based on interviews with leading politicians and activists, and the author’s twenty years on the frontline of climate politics, this book explores why climate is such a challenge for political systems, even when policy solutions exist. It argues that more democracy, not less, is needed to tackle the climate crisis, and suggests practical ways forward.
Rebecca Willis is an Professor in Practice at Lancaster University. She is an Expert Lead on for Climate Assembly UK and was a respondent in the Channel Four Leaders’ Debate on Climate in November 2019. Media appearances include BBC Radio Four's Today Programme, the One O’Clock News, Radio 5 Live, The Guardian, New Scientist and more.
Introduction: Democracy on hold?
A minute to midnight: Governing the planet
The energy elephant
Dual realities: Living with the climate crisis
20 years of climate action, but emissions are still rising
More, and better, democracy
A strategy for the climate emergency
The personal is political: How to be a good climate citizen