Center for Governance and Sustainability

Recent climate science studies reveal that the greenhouse gas emissions trajectory is moving towards 3 to 4ºC warming. This new projection most likely requires peaking total global greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible followed by rapid reductions to near zero. Despite calls to immediately commence rapid mitigation, responses from most governments remain weak and show no sense of urgency. In cases where mitigation plans are present, these assume that existing governance arrangements are sufficient. In contrast, we argue that a new governance paradigm is necessary for mitigation to be rapid, inclusive, and efficient and, therefore, achieved deep emission cuts. Labelled as the 'rapid mitigation project', we elucidate this using historical accounts of rapid institutional restructurings. Of particular interest are accounts of World War 2 mobilisations where radical, rigorous and rapid institutional changes were conducted. While wartime experience suggests some potential strategies for rapid climate mitigation, limitations exist in the use of this analogy which should not be construed as a panacea.

Recent climate science studies reveal that the greenhouse gas emissions trajectory is moving towards 3 to 4ºC warming. This new projection most likely requires peaking total global greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible followed by rapid reductions to near zero. Despite calls to immediately commence rapid mitigation, responses from most governments remain weak and show no sense of urgency. In cases where mitigation plans are present, these assume that existing governance arrangements are sufficient. In contrast, we argue that a new governance paradigm is necessary for mitigation to be rapid, inclusive, and efficient and, therefore, achieved deep emission cuts. Labelled as the ‘rapid mitigation project’, we elucidate this using historical accounts of rapid institutional restructurings. Of particular interest are accounts of World War 2 mobilisations where radical, rigorous and rapid institutional changes were conducted. While wartime experience suggests some potential strategies for rapid climate mitigation, limitations exist in the use of this analogy which should not be construed as a panacea.

Background: Since many governments lack the motivation to lead deep emission reduction initiatives, the climate action movement must strengthen its campaigns.
Method and results: This paper offers strategies for the movement derived from historical analysis of mechanisms that achieved effective social change in the past. Common elements of climate action with past social change movements, together with
some differences, are identified.
Conclusion: Although technologies, strategies and
tactics vary, climate action groups can agree to support a shared common goal: effective climate mitigation, that can be accomplished not only through outward-oriented tactics,
but also by forms of climate activism that are prefigurative, that is, based on action within local communities. Furthermore, the diverse campaigns that take place on a variety of scales and spaces, conducted by heterogeneous groups, should be integrated
by establishing national and international hubs to facilitate coordination and communication.

Keeping fossil fuels in the ground and accelerating a just transition to a sustainable energy system remain essential in addressing the climate challenge. Despite the common aspirational goals agreed upon by nearly 200 countries at the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, it is clear that climate activism still needs to be strengthened. Using insights from a qualitative survey of 47 contemporary social action groups from 11 countries, this paper offers strategies for strengthening the climate action movement. Although these approaches vary across respondents and groups, and have been adopted by some activist groups, they offer opportunities for taking stock. We find that social action groups tend to agree that effective campaign strategies – despite their varied circumstances, locations, tactics and agenda – can be seen basically through the lenses of emphasizing a moral message; offering a unified regime alternative; incorporating a diversity of participants; and using innovative public communication. The paper links these results to other empirical studies and to theoretical studies, offering the climate action movement the opportunity to re-examine its own strategies in this critical point in its history. The paper highlights the continuing need for grass-roots social action as fundamental driver of social change and emphasizes the importance of drawing upon strategies common to all social change movements.