ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the challenges posed by climate extreme events and explores how these events can provide opportunities for autocratic leaders to suppress opposition and curtail rights and freedoms. Climate shocks can disrupt the election process and strain governmental institutions. However, research on past disasters indicates that extreme weather events are not necessarily detrimental to democratic development. They can create windows for change and opportunities to contest or renegotiate existing power structures. Additionally, extreme events can mobilize civil society in relief efforts, which may evolve into political movements that can challenge incumbent regimes. The social and political consequences of climate extremes vary based on the socioeconomic conditions of the affected country prior to the disaster as well as the strength of governing institutions and levels of corruption. Recurrent climate shocks may pose greater challenges to democratic development than isolated incidents.
