Climate change poses a grave and urgent threat to the entire planet. The consequences — natural disasters like the Los Angeles wildfires, rising food insecurity, violent conflict, increased migration — are intensifying before our eyes. How can we confront these challenges? Are “eco-authoritarian” responses the best way forward, or is more democracy the answer?
In the new issue of the Journal of Democracy, leading scholars debate how to solve the climate crisis.
Resisting the Authoritarian Temptation
Democracy’s unique, flexible, and substantial resources make it better than authoritarianism at confronting climate change.
Nomi Claire Lazar and Jeremy WallaceHow to Confront No Ordinary Danger
Climate change is an urgent and unparalleled threat. Our best hope lies in radical, principled activism — at once more democratic and more authoritarian.
Ross MittigaA Strange Defense of Climate Democracy
The democracy versus “eco-authoritarianism” dilemma is false. The answer is more and better democracy.
Elisabeth EllisThe Perils of Climate Alarmism
Democracies — facing gridlock and polarization — often fall short. But it should be remembered that dictatorships do even more harm.
Thea RiofrancosConfronting Our Common Enemy
Regime type is important, but it is the power of the fossil-fuel industry in both autocracies and democracies that is blocking the green transition globally.
Emilie M. Hafner-Burton, Matto Mildenberger, Michael Ross, and Christina J. SchneiderA Reply to Our Critics
The authors identify and respond to four broad themes in the Climate Crisis debate.
Nomi Claire Lazar and Jeremy Wallace
Plus, don’t miss the JoD’s newest online exclusive on the climate problem:
Why Climate Action Demands Democracy
Looming “catastrophe” must not be used to justify authoritarianism. Solutions premised on unchecked power would bring their own risks of catastrophe.
Stephen Gardiner
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