Tag: Climate Justice

How Authoritarianism Threatens Climate Action—and What We Can Do About It

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Person holding a printed copy of The Anti-Autocracy Handbook: A Scholars’ Guide to Navigating Democratic Backsliding, placed on a modern desk beside a glass of water, glasses, and a book.
The Anti-Autocracy Handbook offers scholars and concerned citizens practical strategies to recognize and resist democratic backsliding worldwide.

Climate Crisis and Rising Authoritarianism

The fight against climate change is urgent. From stronger hurricanes to record-breaking wildfires, we’re seeing how environmental damage is affecting our lives, our health, and our future. We need governments that act boldly—supporting science, protecting ecosystems, and investing in sustainable energy.

But here’s the problem: around the world, democracy is weakening. As of 2025, 72% of the global population lives under authoritarian rule (Our World in Data, 2025). That means decisions about the environment are being made behind closed doors, without public debate, input from scientists, or the freedom to organize and protest.

When democracy erodes, climate action slows down—or even reverses.

3 Tactics Autocrats Use to Undermine Climate Truth

Authoritarian leaders often use a familiar playbook to shut down climate efforts. These tactics make it harder for us to work together, share facts, and push for change.

Populism

Autocrats often claim to represent “the real people” against so-called “elites.” Environmentalists, scientists, and activists are painted as out of touch or as enemies of economic growth. We’ve all heard messages like:

  • “They care more about trees than our jobs.”

  • “Climate rules are killing small businesses.”

Polarization

Instead of bringing us together to solve problems, these leaders divide us. They frame the climate debate as a fight between “pro-economy” and “pro-environment.” But that’s a false choice. In truth, we can have both—but only with honest leadership and a commitment to facts.

We’ve seen this kind of rhetoric used to create fear and distrust. For example:

  • During wildfires in the western U.S., climate regulations were blamed for preventing forest management, despite scientific evidence that climate change was the real driver of more intense fires.

  • In Brazil, environmental protections in the Amazon were rolled back under the argument that indigenous land rights and conservation efforts were standing in the way of economic growth and agriculture.

  • In Australia, leaders have claimed that transitioning away from coal would destroy communities—ignoring opportunities for renewable energy jobs and cleaner air.

  • In the U.S., efforts to ban gas stoves or regulate methane emissions have been painted as “attacks on personal freedom” or “government overreach,” rather than smart policy to protect health and reduce climate risk.

These arguments aren’t just political talking points—they’re tactics to delay action, confuse the public, and weaken support for urgent climate solutions.

By turning climate change into a culture war, autocratic-leaning leaders make it harder to build the broad coalitions we need. The more we’re divided, the less power we have to demand meaningful change.

Instead of bringing us together to solve problems, these leaders divide us. They frame the climate debate as a fight between “pro-economy” and “pro-environment.” In truth, we can have both—but only with honest leadership.

Post-truth

This is when facts are buried under lies and confusion. Misinformation spreads through social media and partisan news outlets. People are left unsure of what’s real. When that happens, public trust in science—and in one another—breaks down.

What Happens to Science in Autocratic Systems

Science depends on freedom—freedom to ask questions, publish findings, and share data across borders. But under authoritarian rule, science often becomes one of the first victims.

In early 2025, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) canceled nearly 800 research projects. This included many studies focused on climate change, vaccine hesitancy, and LGBTQ+ issues (The Anti-Autocracy Handbook, 2025).

At the same time:

  • The U.S. withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement

  • Clean energy programs were dismantled

  • Scientists were banned from collaborating with global health agencies like the WHO

When governments silence science, our communities are left vulnerable. We lose access to life-saving information. And the climate crisis continues unchecked.

Why Silence and Self-Censorship Make Things Worse

We may wonder: why don’t more people speak out? The truth is, many are scared. Scientists have faced online harassment, legal threats, or even job loss just for sharing their findings.

Some researchers have stopped speaking publicly about climate to avoid becoming targets. This self-censorship, while understandable, allows misinformation to spread even more.

And it’s not just about facts—it’s about people. The pressure to stay quiet can take a toll. Many scientists and activists report anxiety, burnout, and a feeling of isolation. They’re not just defending their work—they’re trying to protect their families and livelihoods, too.

We don’t need to be scientists or politicians to make a difference. What we do—and how we show up—matters.

What We Can Do—Even if We’re Just Individuals

If our personal risk is low:

  • Speak out: Write letters to the editor or post on social media about why climate truth matters

  • Join a local group: Support environmental or science-based organizations

  • Share voices: Amplify scientists, students, and communities speaking up

If our risk is higher (e.g., we’re public figures, immigrants, or part of a marginalized group):

  • Help protect vulnerable research: Backup and archive climate data

  • Build circles of solidarity: Create support systems within our communities or workplaces

  • Document censorship: If safe to do so, record and report efforts to silence truth

Even small acts—like refusing to repeat false claims—can help keep truth alive.

The Power of 3.5%: Hope in Collective Action

Here’s something encouraging: nonviolent movements that mobilize just 3.5% of the population almost always succeed (Chenoweth & Stephan, 2011). That’s about 12 million people in the U.S.

We don’t need a majority to protect democracy or fight for climate justice—we just need enough people who are committed, informed, and connected.

Together, we can slow democratic backsliding, protect science, and keep pushing for a healthy, just, and sustainable future.

Protecting Democracy Is Climate Action

If we care about clean air, safe water, healthy forests, and a livable planet—then we care about democracy, too.

We can’t tackle climate change in a world where scientists are silenced, facts are twisted, and decisions are made in secret. By protecting the right to speak, research, protest, and vote, we’re also protecting our planet.

Let’s keep asking questions. Let’s keep telling the truth. And let’s keep building the future we all deserve—together.

Overview of the Source: The Anti-Autocracy Handbook

This article is based on The Anti-Autocracy Handbook: A Scholars’ Guide to Navigating Democratic Backsliding (2025). Written by more than 20 scholars around the world, the handbook explains how authoritarian regimes gain and maintain power—and what we can do to resist.

Key features of the handbook include:

  • A clear breakdown of authoritarian tactics like populism, polarization, and misinformation

  • Real-life examples of how science—including climate research—is being attacked

  • Strategies for protecting truth, data, and fellow researchers
  • Practical steps we can take, based on our level of personal risk

Sources:

Lewandowsky, S., Kempe, V., Armaos, K., Hahn, U., Abels, C. M., Wibisono, S., Louis, W., Sah, S., Pagel, C., Jankowicz, N., DiResta, R., Markolin, P., Schoenemann, H., Hertwig, R., Crull, H., Mauer, B., Holford, D., Lopez-Lopez, E., & Cook, J. (2025, June 19). The Anti-Autocracy Handbook: A Scholars’ Guide to Navigating Democratic Backsliding. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15510834

Our World in Data. (2025). Less Democratic: Share of Population Living in Autocratic Regimes. https://ourworldindata.org/less-democratic

Chenoweth, E., & Stephan, M. J. (2011). Why civil resistance works: The strategic logic of nonviolent conflict. Columbia University Press.

Why Private Jets Are a Big Problem for Our Planet

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A black private jet parked on a runway under a clear blue sky.
Private jets like this one may carry only a handful of passengers—but their environmental footprint is massive. A single private jet can emit as much carbon dioxide in a year as 177 cars.

When we think about pollution from flying, most of us picture big commercial planes taking off from crowded airports. But there’s a smaller, more exclusive kind of flying that’s creating a surprisingly big impact on our planet: private jets.

Private jets may seem like a luxury issue, but they’re a climate concern that affects everyone. While only a small group of people use them, their environmental impact is outsized. A recent study by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) looked at just how much pollution private jets cause—and what we can do about it.

What is a private jet?

A private jet is a small airplane, usually owned or rented by individuals or companies, that flies with only a few passengers. Unlike commercial airplanes that carry hundreds of people at a time, private jets often fly nearly empty.

Because they carry fewer passengers, private jets release much more pollution per person than regular flights. And unlike buses or trains that are available to the general public, these flights are mainly used by the wealthy for convenience.

Why we’re talking about them

You might wonder—if there are so few private jets compared to commercial flights, why focus on them?

It turns out, these jets are some of the most polluting forms of transportation per passenger. And their use is growing fast. The study found that private jet emissions increased 25% over the last decade, and they now account for nearly 4% of all aviation pollution worldwide.

Even though they’re used by a tiny fraction of people, private jets are contributing a lot to climate change—and avoiding accountability in the process.

What the Study Found

Private jets pollute much more than commercial flights

  • On average, a single private jet emits 810 tons of greenhouse gases (GHGs) each year.
  • That’s equal to the yearly emissions of 177 passenger cars or 9 large trucks.
  • Private jet passengers cause 5 to 14 times more emissions per person than commercial airline passengers.

The U.S. leads the world in private jet pollution

  • In 2023, 64.6% of all private jet flights started from the U.S.
  • Florida and Texas alone had more private jet flights than the entire European Union.
  • The U.S. was responsible for over half of global private jet emissions.

Most private jet trips are short and avoidable

  • Half of private jet flights were under 900 kilometers (about 560 miles).
  • These are trips that could often be replaced by high-speed trains or more efficient planes called turboprops.
  • Many private flights are for convenience, not necessity.

The Bigger Problem

Health risks from air pollution

Private jets don’t just release carbon dioxide—they also emit air pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particles called PM2.5.

These pollutants:

  • Harm air quality near airports
  • Increase the risk of asthma, heart disease, and early death
  • Disproportionately affect low-income communities who live near major airports

Climate change and who it affects most

Even though private jet travel benefits a wealthy few, the pollution they cause harms everyone—especially people in vulnerable regions. Rising temperatures, stronger storms, wildfires, and droughts are all linked to climate change fueled by greenhouse gas emissions.

What Can Be Done

We don’t have to accept this as the cost of modern travel. The study suggested a few realistic steps:

Taxing private jet fuel

  • A proposed fuel tax of $1.59 per gallon could raise up to $3 billion a year.
  • This money could fund climate solutions or support public transit.
  • Right now, many private jets pay little or no fuel tax, giving them an unfair advantage.

Switching to cleaner alternatives

  • Turboprop planes, which use less fuel, could replace jets on short routes.
  • High-speed trains can be even cleaner, especially in regions like Europe.
  • Avoiding unnecessary flights—or replacing them with remote meetings—also helps.

Why policies matter

Private jets often fly under the radar—literally and legally. Many are exempt from emissions trading programs, escape higher taxes, and aren’t required to improve efficiency. Stronger laws can help level the playing field.

What You Can Do

You don’t need to fly a private jet to make a difference.

Talk about it

  • Share what you’ve learned with friends and family.
  • Challenge the idea that private jets are just a personal choice—they have public consequences.

Support better climate laws

  • Vote for leaders who take climate and pollution seriously.
  • Support policies that make polluters pay their fair share.
  • Encourage investment in cleaner transportation options like rail and electric buses.

Summing Up

Private jets may seem like a small part of a big problem—but they’re a high-impact example of climate inequality. A few people benefit, while the rest of the world shares the cost.

The good news is that we have clear data, real solutions, and growing public awareness. If we take smart action now—through policies, taxes, and cleaner options—we can reduce these emissions and build a future that works for everyone.

It’s not about stopping travel. It’s about making sure travel doesn’t cost us the planet.

Source: Sitompul, D., & Rutherford, D. (2025). Air and greenhouse gas pollution from private jets, 2023. International Council on Clean Transportation. Retrieved from

Millions March Around the World to Demand End to Fossil Fuels

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Map showing global marches between On September 15-17, 2023 demanding an immediate, equitable end to fossil fuelsOn September 15-17, millions marched around the world demanding an immediate, equitable end to fossil fuels.

On September 15-17, millions marched around the world demanding an immediate, equitable end to fossil fuels. This global movement peaked with the March to #EndFossilFuels in New York City on September 17, which preludes the first United Nations Climate Ambition Summit on September 20. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres pressed global leaders to commit to phasing out fossil fuels.

The backdrop for these mobilizations is the intensifying climate crisis, evidenced by recent extreme heatwaves, floods, and severe weather events. As the climate threat grows, so does the worldwide movement for climate justice. These initiatives oppose the fossil fuel industry and its proponents, calling for swift transitions to greener alternatives. They called for a just transition to a renewable energy future that generates millions of jobs while supporting workers’ and community rights, job security, and employment equity.

Over 20,000 demonstrators took to the streets in Manhattan, including a 50-member delegation from New Mexico comprising Indigenous, environmental, youth, and frontline advocates. New Mexico, the second-largest oil producer in the U.S., has witnessed the country’s most significant oil production growth in the past three years. Bernal, Pueblo Action Alliance’s executive director, highlighted the collaboration of New Mexican grassroots movements with global initiatives. Their shared objective is to spotlight the financial exploitation and commodification of natural and cultural assets, demanding that leaders pursue genuine climate action, void of the damaging extraction that has marred their ancestral lands for centuries.

New Mexican representatives also presented a grassroots climate justice declaration to global, national, and state leaders. Supported by over 20 Indigenous and environmental entities, it lists imperative actions that are needed now to ensure a sustainable future. The demands encompass an end to new fossil fuel initiatives, immediate fossil fuel phase-outs, rejecting unproven solutions, emphasizing Indigenous ecological wisdom, and declaring a climate emergency to facilitate a fair transition.

Fridays for Future NYC, a youth-led climate activist group, mobilized high school students for the event. Despite juggling school, SATs, and college applications, these young activists dedicated their summer to organizing, recruiting hub captains from various schools, and expanding youth turnout. Even with the vast coalition for the march, Fridays for Future NYC focused on its community-based approach, ensuring young voices were heard.

The NYC March was supported by 500 organizations, including the NAACP, Sierra Club, the Sunrise Movement, the Center for Biological Diversity, Center for Popular Democracy, Climate Organizing Hub, Food & Water Watch, Fridays For Future USA & NYC, Earthworks, Greenfaith, Indigenous Environmental Network, New York Communities for Change, Oil Change International, and Oil & Gas Action Network.

The climate crisis is urgent, and we cannot afford to wait any longer. We must take action now to end fossil fuels and build a just and sustainable future. Join the movement for climate justice, and let your voice be heard.