Disregarded: Structurally weak but rich in experience

When tackling the climate crisis many people in structurally weak regions feel disregarded. This is the conclusion reached by a unique study of the social and ecological transformation – referred to as the Great Transformation in this study – in Germany. Qualitative doorstep conversations showed that, from the respondents’ standpoint, social inequalities and regional exclusion are more pressing issues than man-made global warming. Building on the respondents’ own accounts and perspectives on personal, regional and national challenges for the future, this study brings to light three patterns of interpretation and develops three specific recommendations for action. It follows on from the survey conducted in 2017 Return to the Politically Abandoned, which dealt with right-wing populist strongholds in structurally weak regions.