The Complexity of Climate Positions of Right-wing Populist Parties in Europe

Abstract

The rise of anti-climate right-wing populist parties urgently threatens mainstream climate governance goals in Europe. However, it is an oversimplification to portray all right-wing populist parties as outright climate deniers. In reality, the climate positions of right-wing populist parties are complex. While some right-wing populist parties continue to deny climate science and oppose climate action, others acknowledge the evidence but distance themselves from mainstream climate policies. This complexity arises from the tension between these parties’ ideological convictions and strategic considerations. On the optimistic side, the complexity of right-wing populist parties’ climate positions could create openings for cross-party cooperation based on scientific consensus and help transform some right-wing populist parties into constructive actors on climate governance. However, most right-wing populist parties remain deeply hostile to climate action; it is hard to expect that the opportunism of such parties in their climate positions will prompt them to make real policy concessions.