Opening Event with Zadie Smith followed by Can Democracies Solve the Climate Crisis?

Opening

Hélène Duchêne, French Ambassador to the UK, launched the Night of Ideas 2023.

British Novelist Zadie Smith then discussed the main topic of this year’s edition: More?



Panel: Can Democracies Save the Climate Crisis

From short-termism to the difficulty of consensus-making, critics have highlighted how democratic methods appear unfit to tackle the climate emergency. Still, others argue that more democracy, not less, is the solution to avoid an ecological disaster. As scientists urge governments around the world to take action, are democracies up to the challenge?

With:
Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Co-President of the Club of Rome and Climate Change Activist
Lisa Vanhala, Professor in Political Science at University College London, Author
Roman Krznaric, Philosopher
Chaired by Fiona Harvey, Environment Editor at The Guardian.