ETUI Monthly forum: The future of democracy in times of planetary crises

16 September 2021, 15h30-17h30

Speakers: Hélène Landemore, Full Professor of Political Science, Yale University and Roman Krznaric, public philosopher who writes about the power of ideas to change society

Comments: Ludovic Voet, ETUC Confederal secretary

Moderator: Willy De Backer, sustainability consultant, ETUI

Briefing: Recent floods in Western Europe and extreme heat and fires in Canada, the US and Southern Europe – crises which are more than ever linked to human-induced climate change – have been the latest wake-up call to step up our efforts to halt global warming. Ironically, the start of the floods coincided with the unveiling of the European Commission’s package of proposals aiming to make the EU ‘fit for 55’ ( reducing net emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990) and delivering the necessary transformations of economy, society, and industry. However, there are doubts as to what extent this necessary transition will happen in a socially just way, and whether the Western democratic model will be sufficient to achieve this.

We will re-start our ETUI Monthly forum series with a debate on the crisis of representative democracy and new international experiments such as citizens’ panels and ombudspersons for future generations. We have invited the renowned academic Hélène Landemore from Yale University who argues that climate issues are deeply connected to social justice locally and should be tackled at different levels and with structural citizens’ participation. This could also be an answer to another characteristic problem of professional politics - the lack of long-term thinking – which is fundamental in the case of climate change policy. Roman Krznaric who recently published the book ‘The Good Ancestor: How to Think Long Term in a Short Term World’ will connect the participative democracy proposals with the need of more long-term thinking in politics, and how to make sure we incorporate the future generations in our decision-making processes. And last but not least, Ludovic Voet, ETUC Confederal secretary responsible for just transition, will tell us more about the trade unions role and position in this debate.

This event will be hosted on Zoom, with some limited places for physical attendance in the ETUI meeting room (subject to confirmation by the ETUI in function of the Covid safety measures valid in September).
To register, please click here. The link to attend, and all other practical information will be sent to you upon registration.