Before democracy became a system of elections, it was an idea. An idea based on certain ideals. These ideals encourage responsible leadership and institutions that are transparent, accountable, and committed to the common good. Democracy is ultimately measured by the place they accord to the citizen. It has spent centuries perfecting the art of choosing those in power and has spent just as long trying to perfect the art of questioning them. Illustration by The Geostrata Acros

Over the last few decades, the imperatives of bringing the climate crisis to the forefront of global concerns have been intensified...