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Democratic renovation for a sustainable future

Image source: Wikimedia Commons

It is becoming increasingly clear now, in 2026, that there are many unresolved societal problems that have to do with a lack of democratic function at all levels of society, from local to national and global.

The climate crisis is growing but is being overshadowed by new and old wars that succeed each other but never really end: Ukraine, Palestine, Venezuela, Iran… The UN system is clearly in crisis as it is unable to stop the wars, which was the purpose of the UN when it was formed in 1945. The EU's climate work has lost focus and the political leaders in Europe see military armament as the most important thing to address.

Ecosystems on land are threatened by global warming and more intensive forestry, and marine ecosystems are also under threat: corals and other species are increasingly suffering from heat, acidification and overfishing.

Our political systems of governance have not been able to handle these crises. Therefore, a reform of our democracies is needed, so that the majority of the people have more power. Our thesis is that if ordinary people are given time and expert help to understand the problems, they can come up with proposals for action that will benefit the planet and humanity. A popular will based on facts, a holistic view and empathy would not accept our destructive path.

With such reason-based popular power, dependence on fossil fuels would be phased out as soon as possible, wars would be stopped and economic inequality would be limited. We need to take a major step with general education and political reforms to address the shortcomings of the governance system and get a stronger popular representation in place that can keep corruption and greed at bay.

Ancient democracy in Athens emerged in a time similar to ours, when war and destructiveness had reached unbearable levels. Can we reform democracy in our time in a similar way before destructiveness kills us all?

Next: Ancient Democracy - a Protection Against Violence, Concentration of Power, and Corruption

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