Energy Outlook

By: Jacob Kim

As climate change disrupts communities worldwide, it’s shaping more than just landscapes—it’s reshaping political landscapes, too. Evidence shows that people facing extreme climate events often turn to authoritarian leaders who promise quick, decisive action, creating fertile ground for autocratic rule. From Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines to Narendra Modi in India, the trend of strongmen rising to power amid environmental and social turmoil is more than coincidence. Climate-driven natural disasters like Super Typhoon Yolanda, which devastated the Philippines in 2013, provided leaders like Duterte with a platform to appear as protectors amidst chaos. His response to the disaster became a key moment in his political ascent, showing how climate catastrophes can shift the public mindset in favor of authoritarianism.

A recent study by economists in the UK and Australia found that island nations affected by severe storms experienced measurable declines in democracy scores, suggesting a direct link between natural disasters and political authoritarianism. When people’s sense of safety and stability is shattered, many seek leaders who promise to prioritize their nation’s welfare, often through simplified, hardline solutions. Psychology studies reinforce this: exposure to information about climate threats has been shown to increase people’s conformity, ethnocentrism, and support for rigid, us-versus-them mindsets.

This rising trend raises an uncomfortable question: are authoritarian regimes better positioned to confront climate change? China’s large-scale adoption of renewable energy shows that authoritarian states can act swiftly and unilaterally on climate issues. However, these actions often come at the cost of human rights, as seen in China’s reliance on forced labor to meet its renewable energy goals.

For democracies, the solution may lie in proving that they, too, can address the climate crisis decisively. By passing progressive climate legislation, protecting voting rights, and fostering social equality, democracies can counter the authoritarian appeal. We must challenge the idea that only authoritarian regimes can respond effectively to climate disasters. The climate crisis demands urgent action, but it doesn’t need to compromise freedom. It’s up to us to build a future where resilience to climate change strengthens democracy, rather than eroding it.

Sources

https://grist.org/politics/authoritarian-democracy-climate-change-global-warming-causation-research/