For nearly two decades, the world has faced two significant challenges: the ongoing impact of global warming and the simultaneous increase in populist governments in various regions. It’s crucial to clarify that climate change didn’t cause the decline of democracies, nor did democratic decline lead to climate change. However, the adverse effects of environmental disruption have profound consequences for the stability and prosperity of democracies worldwide.
Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it has become a major driver of conflicts and economic inequality globally. As our planet warms and weather patterns become more unpredictable, the consequences go beyond rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
Climate change worsens existing vulnerabilities, widens the gap between privileged and marginalised groups, and triggers disputes over resources and migration. Competition for limited resources like water and fertile land often results in conflicts, putting democratic governments in difficult positions as they struggle to maintain control and provide security, ultimately undermining their legitimacy.
Social justice and equality in jeopardy
The impacts of climate change are not distributed equally. Low-income communities and countries contributing less to greenhouse gas emissions often bear the brunt of climate-related disasters.
The economic burden of climate change disproportionately affects these vulnerable populations, perpetuating existing economic inequalities. Many democracies in the Global South struggle to effectively address climate change, leading to economic decline, unemployment, and financial instability, which undermine the prosperity they promise their citizens.
One of the core principles of democracy is the pursuit of social justice and equality. Climate change exacerbates existing social disparities by disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. In addition to economic and social consequences, climate change has serious implications for public health. Heatwaves, the spread of diseases carried by vectors, and deteriorating air quality are health risks associated with climate change.
Democracies have a duty to protect the health and well-being of their citizens. Failing to effectively address climate change not only jeopardises public health but also results in increased healthcare costs and a lower quality of life, eroding the legitimacy of democratic systems further.
Frustrated by inadequate responses to climate change-related challenges and disillusioned by perceived government inaction, people have increasingly turned to populist authoritarian leaders...
Climate change-induced disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, often lead to a breakdown in trust when governments fail to provide effective disaster response and recovery efforts.
As climate-related disasters become more frequent and severe, democracies struggle to respond effectively, leading to increased racial and class inequality, widespread dissatisfaction, and unrest. Social and political instability, along with diminishing trust in state institutions, pose significant challenges to maintaining order in many democracies in crisis.
Many democracies, especially in the Global South, have been slow to respond to the climate crisis, and their efforts have often fallen short. This lack of decisive action erodes public confidence in their ability to address climate change challenges. Inaction on climate change not only threatens the environment but also undermines democratic ideals of justice, equity, and representation. When citizens perceive that their government prioritises corporate interests over the needs of the people, trust in democratic governance further diminishes.
Ashok Swain is a professor of peace and conflict research at Uppsala University, Sweden
Source: Gulf News