Side Event: Democracy and Climate in Crisis I Three Perspectives

In order to achieve a sustainable transformation, it is important to identify and utilise effective leverages. Systems theory distinguishes between strong and weak leverages, which O’Brien has categorised into different spheres for sustainable transformation – practical, political and personal sphere. The current problem is that most research, policies and measures to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis focus on actions, interventions, strategies and behaviours that directly contribute to a desired outcome (solar panels, reduced meat consumption, etc.). These measures can be categorised as „practical“. The danger here is that changes in the personal sphere are only implemented in the practical sphere.
Such an approach harbours the risk of stirring up resentment among the population, which is often used by populists to push through their agenda. A more effective starting point would be to involve individuals and groups in all three spheres of transformation – personal, political, practical.

GREETINGS

Dr. Ina Czyborra I Senator for Science, Health and Care (tbc.)

WELCOME

Prof. Dr. Felix Creutzig I Head of working group Land Use, Infrastructure and Transport (MCC) and Professor at TU Berlin

INDIVIDUEL PERSPECTIVE I

Input Elke Weber I Gerhard R. Andlinger Professor in Energy and the Environment at Princeton University & Einstein Visiting Fellow (TU Berlin)

STRUCTURAL AND POLICITAL PERSPECTIVE I Input

Winston Chow I Professor of Urban Climate at Singapore Management University & IPCC Co-Chair, Working Group II

DEMOCRATIC AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVE I Input

Dr. Angela Jain I Senior Project Manager, Bertelsmann Stiftung & Member CCC Board of Experts

PANEL DISCUSSION

Moderation: Prof. Dr. Felix Creutzig I Head of working group Land Use, Infrastructure and Transport (MCC) and Professor at TU Berlin

The event is hosted by the Climate Change Center Berlin Brandenburg and will be held in English.