HORIZON EUROPE: Contentious Politics and Democratic Renewal in Sustainability Transitions

Trans4Demo seeks to understand the dual challenge of populism and climate change and their impact on liberal democratic values and just transition in Europe. It does so by developing and testing empirically, novel conceptual tools for understanding the nature and causes of political mobilization contesting sustainable environmental transitions and identifying novel sites and repertoires of democratic politics.

Trans4Demo is an evidence-based initiative addressing the contentious politics of climate change and sustainability transitions, which pose growing challenges for democratic systems. By examining the interplay between sustainability, populism, and democracy, the project aims to develop a temporality-sensitive framework, practical insights, and policy recommendationsto support democratic renewal.

Through participatory and interdisciplinary methodologies, Trans4Demo investigates the causes and consequencesof opposition, explores innovative engagement practices, and fosters trust in democratic processes.The project delivers actionable strategies to balance grassroots mobilisations with institutional governance, empowering societies to address the dual crises of climate and democracy effectively.