Climate Change and the Crisis of Representative Democracy: Is the Future in the Hands of Civil Society?

Abstract

Traditional democratic structures are failing to adopt climate policies, despite the actions of some environmentalist parties. In this context, civil society is organising itself to define priority needs and demand action from the authorities. This article analyses the tools and methodologies adopted by civil society actors to influence the definition of public policies for adaptation to climate change, while also analysing the legal aspects of the most significant case studies. The aim is to contribute to the understanding of participatory dynamics in climate monitoring, highlighting how civic activism is now essential for guiding public action towards more ambitious climate goals.