The political economy of climate neutrality: building a "green consensus" with new models of deliberative and participatory democracy

In an era characterized by widespread skepticism of institutions at local, national, and supranational levels, the adoption of deliberative and participatory democracy models has emerged as a promising solution to address pressing global challenges, including climate change and local environmental issues. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights the importance of deliberative policy-making processes in developing adaptation strategies and emphasizes the role of local communities in addressing the climate crisis. Adopting a mixed-method approach that combines case study with quasi-experimental research, this thesis enables a nuanced analysis of how the World Café could influence individual preferences and individual action. Specifically, this research assesses the efficacy of a World Café implemented in two urban and two rural/inner areas, in the Emilia-Romagna and Calabria regions. The fieldwork sought to engender shifts in individual preferences and to establish a ‘green consensus’ among participants regarding environmental issues. A total of 58 individuals participated in the fieldwork activities. The World Café explores three key themes: 1) separate waste collection, a common issue across the four case studies; 2) green urban areas, in Bologna and Cosenza; and 3) renewable energy, in Gazzola and Santa Caterina dello Ionio. Findings highlight the value of participatory processes in driving grassroots environmental initiatives, revealing actionable insights and innovative co-created solutions. Each dialogue empowered participants to build networks and foster collective intelligence, which in some cases led to changes in individual preferences. This study contributes to the growing body of research on participatory approaches to climate change adaptation and highlights the importance of bottom-up initiatives in driving sustainable transition.