Demanding or Doing? Evolving Strategies, Outcomes, and Future Visions in the Italian Climate Movement

Since 2018, a wave of climate mobilisations has swept across the globe, with Italy emerging as one of the main stages of protest. Alongside established actors such as environmental groups and territorial committees, three new organisations—Fridays for Future, Extinction Rebellion, and Ultima Generazione—have reshaped the Italian climate movement. Despite their differences, these actors have adopted "by demanding" strategies aimed at pressuring government and political institutions to act on the climate crisis through collective contentious actions. However, over time, political conditions have changed with a decline in mass participation and a recent increase in repressive measures against climate protest. This study examines the evolution of climate mobilisations in Italy, focusing on three central aspects: innovations in the strategies of these organisations, the outcomes they have achieved, and their transformative visions. Drawing on in-depth qualitative interviews with experienced members of the three groups, the research offers a diachronic perspective on how the movement has adapted to shifting political and social conditions. Findings reveal a dynamic movement actively responding to emerging challenges. While "by demanding" strategies remain central, they are being adapted and innovated to address the new political landscape. Notably, the importance of building synergies with actors outside the climate movement is gaining prominence. At the same time, "by doing" strategies are gaining attention, with local initiatives such as awareness-raising in schools and the creation of renewable energy communities showcasing bottom-up political transformation through tangible, grassroots-led projects. This analysis underscores how the Italian climate movement continues to innovate and adapt despite declining participation and increasing barriers to protest. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how collective action can navigate restrictive conditions while fostering transformative change.