‘Democracy in a Hotter Time,’ a book by Dr. David Orr

Dr. David Orr, who is a Professor at the ASU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has edited a book called “Democracy in a Hotter Time.” The book calls for reforming democratic institutions as a prerequisite for avoiding climate chaos. To survive in the “long emergency” ahead, we must reform and strengthen democratic institutions, making them assets rather than liabilities.

This collection of essays proposes a new political order that will not only help humanity survive but also enable us to thrive in the transition to a post–fossil fuel world.

“There really is no debate about warming occurring,” Dr. Orr said. He said if climate action was taken earlier, the world would not be in “the hole” it is in now. Dr. Orr argued climate change is undeniable, stating, “The science has gotten more and more definitive.”

Dr. Orr argued “getting the money out of politics” is the first step to a new global order that would focus on reducing the causes of climate change. He said politicians have to raise “unbelievable” amounts of money that leads to trillion-dollar fossil fuel companies contributing to campaigns to lobby their positions.

The next step Dr. Orr offered is for government organization. He said the government is working on projects individually and should work on everything together. One essay in the book calls for community members to get involved with land use and building decisions around them.

Dr. Orr expressed his concern with the current state of government and rising temperatures.

“I do not think we can solve climate change without first solving [democracy].”