Climate Change: A Chance for Political Re-Engagement?

Introduction Climate change is one of the most pressing problems facing humanity today. As scientific evidence continues to accumulate, it is becoming increasingly apparent that climate change constitutes a dangerous threat to present and future generations and requires an urgent global response. The growing acceptance of this reality has arguably resulted in a shift in global consciousness. Individuals around the world commonly display concern about climate change along with a desire to help avoid climate catastrophe. Individuals seem to be more and more aware of the global consequences of their actions, and feel increasingly responsible for these actions as a result. Interestingly, recent studies indicate that this not only results in changes in individual consumption behavior, but also results in individuals engaging with politics in order to instigate the change they believe is necessary in the face of climate change. In a world where political disengagement is pervasive, this presents an interesting phenomenon.