Civic Activism in an Intensifying Climate Crisis

Report
Written By Dan Ridge

Activism meets deliberation: How climate movements are reshaping the role of citizens’ assemblies

What happens when climate activism demands not just policy change—but democratic change? In this in-depth and timely paper, Professor Amanda Machin explores the evolving relationship between climate movements and citizens’ assemblies, tracing how groups like Extinction Rebellion have pushed for assemblies as a response to both environmental and political crisis.

While many assemblies have been state-commissioned, the paper highlights a growing shift: civil society organisations around the world are beginning to commission their own assemblies—from Lebanon to the Maldives, from Germany to the UK—reframing assemblies as strategic tools for counterpower, legitimacy, and long-term systems change. This new wave is challenging the standard model of governance and opening up new political possibilities.

ISWE is proud to host and support this contribution to the field of political systems change. It brings critical insight into the risks, tensions, and transformative potential of assemblies as tools of democratic innovation.

 

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Dan Ridge

Rhodium Creative is a new creative and strategic collaboration born out of our ethos of wanting to help others. We provide expert support delivering innovative digital and marketing campaigns that engage audiences and incite action.

I’m a Creative, Digital & Campaign Director with 14 years of design and digital experience, with a wealth of knowledge in the charity and education sectors. I help bring campaigns to life by harnessing the opportunities made possible using emerging technologies to help amplify brands and create impactful messaging.

• Over 17 years’ working with charities, safe to say it’s part of my DNA

• Previous Head of Design at Comic Relief responsible for its national fundraising campaigns

• Led ambitious interactive brand awareness campaigns for Rare Disease UK and award winning contactless fundraising for Movember

• Worked in-house and agency side providing an understanding of the balance between ambition versus risk

• Multiple public appearances, speaking at conferences and events

My passion lies in generating exciting ideas and delivering Campaigns that stand out. My optimism and enthusiasm help lead and inspire others to produce high quality, thought provoking creative work. I thrive on working across all mediums and my knowledge and understanding of design, typography, digital, tech, photography, film and all things creative makes me dedicated to producing fully integrated, and memorable forward thinking campaigns.

http://www.rhodiumcreative.com
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