Strengthening the climate action movement: Strategies from histories

Abstract

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 ofers strategies for the movement derived from historical analysis of mechanisms that achieved efective social change in the past. Common elements of climate action with past social change movements, together with some diferences, are identifed. Conclusion: Although technologies, strategies and tactics vary, climate action groups can agree to support a shared common goal: efective climate mitigation, that can be accomplished not only through outward-oriented tactics, but also by forms of climate activism that are prefgurative - 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.