4.3 Creating acceptance through transparency and participation

Conspiracy myths and populist denial of the need for socio-ecological transformation can flourish especially if the confidence of more and more citizens in transparency and participation (two basic promises of the democratic state) is shaken (cf. chapter 3.3). Participation not only requires the democratic right to vote, but also the participation of society as a whole in social life and in the economic success of a nation. The response to this loss of confidence should consist of three steps: firstly, the acknowledgment of this shake-up; secondly, the improvement of information, voice and participation opportunities; and thirdly, the exposure of populist instrumentalisation that further reinforces this loss of trust for its own benefit and has no interest in constructive solutions. A stable constitutional state and an efficient welfare state are thus mutually dependent.

In order to resist populism, one must not ignore the emotions with which it works in the shaping and communication of transformation and devalue them as irrational or irrelevant. In this sense, fear, worry, anger and feelings of grievance must be taken seriously; only in this way they can be turned into something positive through constructive co-creation.⁶³ This also means not fuelling these emotions with apocalyptic doomsday scenarios. At the same time, this communication must also illustrate the positive target perspectives and make them emotionally appealing. What is essential in addition to figures, data and facts is a motivating, encouraging and meaningful "vision" of what can and should be achieved for everyone through the transformation (cf. chapter 2).

Here, too, it becomes clear how important it is to design concrete transformation projects as participatory as possible. Jointly answering the question (at local level, for example) of how we want to live together in the future so that everyone can live well takes people's concerns and worries seriously. However, discourse alone is not enough; it is also necessary to act together. Civil society discourse landscapes therefore necessarily require complementary action landscapes. Debate as well as joint action benefit from subsidiary structures.⁶⁴ Subsidiarity means empowering the lower level. In the case of the Corona pandemic as well as in the face of the climate crisis, this means that those who are responsible on site can act appropriately and purposefully. But it does not mean that the lower levels are left alone with this responsibility or are no longer adequately controlled. In addition to more decision-making powers and corresponding financial resources for local committees and administrative units, there is also a need for clear transparency guidelines and the communication of a common target perspective. As the Corona crisis has shown, internationally comparable standards and indices can be helpful here, for example through new indicators for sustainable development that complement GDP as a future-oriented measure of well-being.

For all the tasks described above, it is important to encourage people to resist the populist temptation by providing appropriate education and extensive information, and instead to help shape change themselves. “Education for sustainable development", which awakens the desire for change and conveys a sense of achievement, is not only an effective means against populism, but also strengthens the ability and willingness of future generations of politicians to work together multilaterally, rule-based and in close partnership with civil society organisations.

Here, too, it becomes clear how important it is to design concrete transformation projects as participatory as possible. Jointly answering the question (at local level, for example) of how we want to live together in the future so that everyone can live well takes people's concerns and worries seriously. However, discourse alone is not enough; it is also necessary to act together. Civil society discourse landscapes therefore necessarily require complementary action landscapes. Debate as well as joint action benefit from subsidiary structures.⁶⁴ Subsidiarity means empowering the lower level. In the case of the Corona pandemic as well as in the face of the climate crisis, this means that those who are responsible on site can act appropriately and purposefully. But it does not mean that the lower levels are left alone with this responsibility or are no longer adequately controlled. In addition to more decision-making powers and corresponding financial resources for local committees and administrative units, there is also a need for clear transparency guidelines and the communication of a common target perspective. As the Corona crisis has shown, internationally comparable standards and indices can be helpful here, for example through new indicators for sustainable development that complement GDP as a future-oriented measure of well-being.

For all the tasks described above, it is important to encourage people to resist the populist temptation by providing appropriate education and extensive information, and instead to help shape change themselves. “Education for sustainable development", which awakens the desire for change and conveys a sense of achievement, is not only an effective means against populism, but also strengthens the ability and willingness of future generations of politicians to work together multilaterally, rule-based and in close partnership with civil society organisations.