Populism, particularly on the right, has been on the rise across high-income countries, significantly influencing climate policy. In Europe, populist party support has surged over the past two decades, and similar trends are evident in the U.S. under Donald Trump. Right-wing populism often opposes climate policies that involve taxes, regulations, or perceived intrusions into daily life and freedoms.
Populist movements typically frame political debates as a divide between “the pure people” and “the corrupt elite,” with climate advocates frequently cast as part of the elite. This framing fosters skepticism among populist supporters, who view climate policies as distractions from their immediate needs. Populist narratives often incorporate minorities or external groups portrayed as influencing or corrupting the elite. In the context of climate policy, this framing fuels hostility toward environmental action, which is seen as elitist and disconnected from the priorities of “the people.”
Right-wing populism and climate scepticism
Right-wing populists can often view climate policies with skepticism, particularly those involving taxes or regulations they perceive as economically harmful. For example, Reform UK is the only British party advocating for the removal of Net Zero policies. The hostility of right-wing populists toward climate action stems from both economic and ideological factors.
Economically, “left-behind” communities affected by globalization and structural changes perceive climate policies as additional threats to their livelihoods. Research at the regional EU level has identified a clear link between prolonged economic stagnation and growing support for Eurosceptic parties, with such stagnation intensifying opposition to climate initiatives. Ideologically, right-wing populists champion nationalism and social authoritarianism, framing climate policies as elitist, cosmopolitan projects that fail to prioritise national interests.
Populists in government and climate policy
Populist governments often hinder climate progress by rolling back regulations like carbon taxes, emissions standards, and conservation laws. Leaders such as Donald Trump in the U.S. and Poland’s Law and Justice Party (PiS) weakened global agreements like the Paris Accord while favouring fossil fuels over renewables, disrupting international cooperation and delaying sustainability efforts.
However, populist regimes do not uniformly oppose clean energy. Renewable technologies like solar and wind often gain support for their economic appeal, job creation, and alignment with nationalist priorities such as energy independence and innovation. Research indicates no strong negative correlation between right-wing populist parties (RWPPs) and renewable energy policies. Populists may back renewables when these align with nationalistic or economic goals, framing them as tools for strengthening security or competitiveness.
This selective support for renewables, alongside resistance to broader environmental regulations, reflects a calculated strategy prioritising short-term political gains and nationalist agendas over long-term sustainability. Populists often portray international cooperation and conservation efforts as elitist burdens, undermining coordinated global climate action. While their approach can sustain progress in specific sectors, it weakens the systemic, comprehensive policies needed to mitigate climate risks on a global scale.
Strategies to counteract populism
- Countering populist opposition to climate action requires policies that resonate with populist constituencies and directly address their concerns. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) exemplifies this by linking climate initiatives to job creation, economic revitalisation, and national pride. By investing in renewable energy and green manufacturing, the IRA targets industrially declining regions, many of which are populist strongholds, showing that economic growth and climate action can align.
- Highlighting local, tangible benefits is another key strategy. Clean energy projects that reduce energy bills or create jobs in underserved communities can reframe climate action as people-centred rather than elite-driven. Nationalist themes, such as domestic innovation and energy independence, can also resonate with populist values.
- Combatting misinformation and improving climate science communication is crucial. Simplifying frameworks like the IPCC or UNFCCC and tying them to everyday concerns can counter perceptions of elitism. Regional coalitions and bipartisan support further bolster resilience against populist resistance.
- Collaborating with labour unions, local governments, and community organisations can broaden support for climate action. These groups, often influential in populist areas, can emphasise the economic and social benefits of climate action. By addressing economic and cultural concerns, policymakers can develop inclusive strategies to neutralise populist resistance.
This blog was inspired by panel discussions with Karla Hill, Associate Director, Political Economy & Governance, E3G and Dr. Matthew Lockwood, Senior Lecturer at Sussex University, at the SOCP 2024 Forum.
