Europe’s Populist Parties and the Climate Crisis

European populist parties have shown deftness in leveraging crises to their advantage. In Germany, where the far right has gained traction, they have previously exploited financial and migrant crises, and most recently, the Covid pandemic, criticizing the mainstream political elite for their handling of these situations.

The climate crisis could be next in their sights, despite the contradiction it presents. The ongoing record heat across the continent is largely driven by climate change, which is exacerbated by the oil and gas industries that these parties typically support. Yet, right-wing parties are beginning to seize opportunities to benefit from the recent heat emergencies.

Notably, Michael Shear and Jeanna Smialek have highlighted the politics surrounding air-conditioning and how these parties are looking to capitalize on the heatwave fallout.

For example, during a visit to Aberdeen, Scotland, Kemi Badenoch, the leader of Britain’s Conservative Party, reaffirmed her support for fossil fuels. Although the city experienced a mild temperature of 12 degrees Celsius, Badenoch emphasized the importance of ending the ‘war on oil and gas’ and advocated for a revival of Britain’s drilling activities, which received applause from her supporters in this key petroleum hub.