ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the main question explored in this book: the challenges climate change, and the broader planetary crisis, pose to the endurance of democracy. It situates this theme within the context of global democratic backsliding, documented since the early 21st century. It also highlights the interconnection with growing economic inequalities within countries. This chapter argues that while democracies have not done enough to tackle climate change, there is robust evidence that autocracies perform significantly worse. Safeguarding democracy is therefore of value for achieving a sustainable society in balance with Earth systems. Although climate change challenges the endurance of democracy, the transition to a more sustainable trajectory has the potential to strengthen and revitalize democratic systems. Additionally, this chapter briefly discusses the limitations of social science in exploring how rapid environmental changes can influence social and political development. Finally, it outlines the structure of this book.
