Rally Against Climate Policy: The Hidden Struggles of the Populist Movement

The Populist Uprising in Western Politics

A decade ago, few anticipated the political upheaval that would follow Brexit and Trump’s election in 2016. This marked the rise of a new “silent majority” determined to challenge an elite they viewed as out of touch. The driving forces included globalization, deindustrialization, and financial crises.

Currently, a new populist wave targets climate policies. These policies are ripe for populist rhetoric, given their reliance on expert knowledge, increased costs for the average person, and the need for international cooperation. They also depend on the hard-to-prove idea that these actions will prevent future disasters.

Critics argue that the transition away from fossil fuels disproportionately affects poorer regions and communities where fossil fuel industries are integral. They also cite exaggerated claims about the potential of green jobs. Misinformation and wild conspiracy theories further fuel this skepticism.

Leaders like Trump and Farage have been vocal opponents, framing climate policies as elitist projects. Farage’s rhetoric, for example, helped him secure a seat in the UK Parliament in 2022, emphasizing the need for another public uprising against climate policies.

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Economic and Political Impacts of Climate Populism

As climate-related policies come under fire, far-right parties in Europe have gained influence. In the June 2024 European Parliament election, these parties secured more seats, while green parties lost ground. The EU’s Green Deal, aiming for climate neutrality by 2050, might see significant scaling back.

In the U.S., a potential Trump victory in 2024 could further hinder climate efforts. Deadlines for net-zero targets, such as moving away from coal by 2030, loom closer, intensifying political disruptions.

To sway skeptics, economic incentives are crucial. If green technologies become cheaper than traditional ones, adoption will naturally follow. Trade openness and innovation are key to reducing the costs of this transition.

Moreover, political strategies must evolve. Engaging narratives and participatory policies can help garner support. Policies should promise immediate, tangible benefits, not just future environmental gains.

The Challenge of Changing Minds

Convincing the public of the urgency of climate action is difficult due to short electoral cycles. Politicians struggle to sell long-term plans. As Al Gore and James Lovelock have noted, democracy’s short-term focus can hinder climate action.

Policymakers try to frame climate change as an imminent emergency, but populist leaders counter with promises of personal agency. They question scientific evidence and portray climate action as an elitist agenda.

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Populists downplay climate urgency by appealing to human tendencies to prioritize immediate rewards. This psychological bias, known as hyperbolic discounting, makes it easier to dismiss long-term climate policies.

Left-wing populists support climate action to address corporate greed, while right-wing populists see it as an imposition by transnational elites. This divide fuels polarized political positions on climate issues.

Addressing Public Concerns and Misinformation

The green transition has sparked legitimate worries about its impact on middle and lower-income families. Protests, like the “yellow vest” movement in France and farmer protests in Europe, highlight concerns over increased costs of fuel and fertilizers.

In the U.S., climate policies focus more on subsidies rather than taxes, reducing their impact on prices. However, policies like the Inflation Reduction Act have sparked debates over government spending and its economic implications.

Rural areas often bear the brunt of hosting renewable facilities, leading to opposition. In response, many U.S. counties have restricted land use for renewable energy projects.

The rural-urban divide is evident in populist support, with leaders like Trump and Farage drawing their base from rural regions. This opposition to climate policies risks becoming a coordinated transnational effort.

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Crafting Compelling Climate Narratives

Despite polarization, most people support climate action. Leaders need to better mobilize this majority by crafting engaging stories that highlight the immediate benefits of combating global warming.

Nobel laureate Robert Shiller emphasized the power of stories in driving economic events. The Biden administration has struggled to effectively communicate its climate agenda, often burying key measures within broader policies.

Proponents of climate action must not shy away from using emotional narratives. Emphasizing health and quality-of-life improvements can make the green transition more relatable and urgent.

Setting short-term targets can help mitigate the problem of short-termism. Tangible progress within each electoral cycle can build momentum and optimism, countering populist opposition rooted in immediate concerns.