There is a growing backlash against pro-climate policies around the world, with critics arguing against the need to transition to renewable energy sources. This movement represents an extreme wing that is gaining momentum, and it includes political figures such as Kristina Karamo, the chair of the Republican Party in Michigan. She believes that the push for centralized government power in order to combat climate change is a scam and compares it to Darwinian evolution.
This backlash is not limited to the United States. In Britain, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently announced a weakening of net-zero targets, including a delay on the ban of new petrol cars. Germany has also delayed stringent green home-heating rules, and France has seen protests against high fuel prices. Marine Le Pen in France opposes wind farms and advocates for a slower energy transition. In the United States, climate change has become a culture-war battleground, with Republican presidential candidates denying the existence of man-made climate change.
Despite this backlash, there are reasons for cautious optimism in curbing global carbon emissions. China, the world’s biggest emitter, understands the need to decarbonize and is investing heavily in solar and wind energy. The United States has also taken a green turn under President Biden. Brazil has removed a president who was slashing rainforests, and Australia has replaced a prime minister who favored coal. Carbon pricing now covers nearly a quarter of emissions, and there have been impressive advancements in technology and innovation.
However, there are political challenges to overcome. Voters are realizing that the transition to a low-carbon economy will be disruptive and may resist certain policies that impose costs on them. Some still dispute the existence of man-made climate change altogether. These political undercurrents pose a potential obstacle to curbing global carbon emissions, despite the progress made in technology and international cooperation.
In summary, there is a growing backlash against pro-climate policies around the world, with critics arguing against the need to transition to renewable energy sources. Despite this, there are reasons for cautious optimism, such as China’s commitment to decarbonization and advancements in technology. However, political challenges, including skepticism about climate change and resistance to policy measures, may hinder efforts to curb global carbon emissions.
