Civil society and the low carbon economy: Scotland's virtual dialogue

Experimentation with internet communications technologies continues to be used to facilitate virtual dialogue on appropriate ways of transitioning toward a low carbon economy. The Low Carbon Dialogue of Scotland is using online forums and month-long dialogue sessions to idea-source about topics ranging from how to keep motivation for a climate agenda under tough economic times, to how to develop useful tools and lessons for integrating low carbon technologies into decision making. The idea is to create openness, transparency and democracy on complex discussions about how to transition to a low carbon economy in socially appropriate ways. Ironically, this month’s topic brings the role of civil society into question. The online forum asks Scots to comment on what role inclusive and transparent democracy versus a critical suspension of democracy (as suggested by James Lovelock) should play to bring about the transition toward a low carbon future. What is your response?