TPL and Ryerson University present: Can Democracies Prevent Climate Catastrophe?

The existential threat of catastrophic climate change is the greatest challenge facing humanity today. Surveys indicate broad public support for major policy changes exists in many countries around the world. Yet the political incentives, ideological divisions and time horizons of democratic politics also pose obstacles. Politicians remain wary of imposing short-term costs on their constituents, despite the destructive long-term ramifications of the status quo. Segments of the electorate in many democracies, in an age of fragmented media and social polarization, can be hostile towards political authority and scientific expertise. And the preferences and sympathies of many citizens may not extend beyond the borders of their nation-states, undermining multilateral cooperation and global justice.

Can our democracies confront the unfolding global climate disaster before we reach an irreversible tipping point? Are the normal self-correcting mechanisms of modern democratic governance sufficient to introduce necessary systemic changes in time? Or will the slow grind of building democratic majorities, amid the myriad checks and balances that protect vested interests, eventually demand more autocratic solutions?

The distinguished journalist and author Kate Aronoff explores these questions in conversation with Sanjay Ruparelia.

About this event's guests:

Kate Aronoff
Sanjay Ruparelia

This event is co-sponsored by Canadian International Council. 

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This event is part of our On Civil Society series.

Generously supported in part by Chris M. Reid

On the Frontlines of Democracy is a new public lecture series to analyze its prospects in the twenty-first century. Around the world, democracies face serious challenges, old and new. Can we protect our constitutional democracies in an era of popular mistrust, severe partisanship and resurgent nationalism? Can they reduce inequalities of power, wealth and status, defend deep diversity and confront climate change in the new digital age? Can we develop innovative strategies to revitalize civic engagement and empower public institutions to renew the promise of collective self-rule? And what can Canada offer, learn and do to promote the prospects of democracy, in a spirit of mutual learning, in our post-western world?

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Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request accommodation to participate in this program. Please let us know as far in advance as possible and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks’ notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca

Kate Aronoff: Can Democracy Prevent Climate Catastrophe?