Too Hot to Handle?: The Democratic Challenge of Climate Change

Description

Drawing on interviews with politicians and activists, Too Hot to Handle? provides an in-depth comparative analysis of international climate policies to examine how we can build impactful democratic solutions to climate change. World leaders have agreed to limit rises in global temperatures, yet climate issues scarcely trouble domestic policies. Implementing climate solutions successfully through the democratic process requires a radical political shift and an overhaul of the laws and systems that govern our society. The author confronts the difficulties of fitting the climate change agenda into the current political system, including how to make it a voter priority, whilst proposing practical ways forward for climate change politics. 'If politicians know the seriousness of the climate crisis, why don't they act? This highly readable book explains.' - Shaun Spiers, Green Alliance

Rebecca Willis is an Professor in Practice at Lancaster University. She is an Expert Lead on for Climate Assembly UK and was a respondent in the Channel Four Leaders' Debate on Climate in November 2019. Media appearances include BBC Radio Four's Today Programme, the One O'Clock News, Radio 5 Live, The Guardian, New Scientist and more.

"If politicians know the seriousness of the climate crisis, why don't they act? This highly readable book explains." Shaun Spiers, Green Alliance "The political process that is central to our democracy is faltering just as we need it most to lead on the climate crisis. Rebecca Willis articulates the problem elegantly and outlines options with great insight." Juliet Davenport, Good Energy "A wonderful insight into the evolution of democracy that we need in order to deal with the climate crisis - and, even better, says what any of us can do to help bring that change about." Mike Berners-Lee, Lancaster University and author of There is No Planet B "Understanding the messy relationship between science and politics is key to delivering on the Paris climate commitments. In this book Rebecca Willis helps navigate a progressive course through these stormy waters." Kevin Anderson, Universities of Manchester (UK) and Uppsala (Sweden) "Asks the most important question in today's Climate Emergency: how can we manage the most comprehensive transition in the history of humankind while putting citizens at the heart of it? The answer is to ramp up the opportunities for more democratic engagement at every level." Jonathan Porrit, Forum for the Future "Politics and business as usual has failed us on climate - that's why I joined Extinction Rebellion. Rebecca Willis argues convincingly that we will find a way through the climate and ecological crisis by renewing democracy, not ignoring it." Farhana Yamin, environmental lawyer