4. Democracy, Global Climate Change and Raising Environmental Issues

Climate change has put democracies all around the world in the midst of one of their greatest crises ever. Climate change is predicted to bring about heat waves, droughts, and sea level rise, which could spark significant civil upheaval and the overthrow of governments. About two thirds of all historical carbon emissions are attributable to the three largest democracies in the world: the United States, Japan, and the European Union. No democracy has reduced its emissions to a level that satisfies the goals of the Paris Agreement by 2020. It is clear from this angle that democracies have not done a good job of addressing climate change. However, studies show that democracy may have a positive influence on policies addressing climate change and environmental preservation. Numerous researches have confirmed the connection between democracy and lowering global warming. Democracies that are performing better have robust institutions for running their governments and less corruption. Additionally, studies have shown that countries with significant fossil fuel industries are both major polluters and ineffective climate change combatants. Democracies must operate effectively to adequately handle the climate catastrophe, but as long as many democracies continue to struggle with their own institutional issues, they will be unable to do so. The present book chapter examines some of the benefits and drawbacks of democracy in addressing the climate catastrophe, as well as the necessity to secure public engagement, promote climate justice, and raise awareness of environmental issues. Additionally, it describes the major issues that climate change presents for democracy and offers an overall evaluation of how democratic governments have handled climate change.