Historically, the counter climate change movement has been attributed to economic self-interest, with wealthy corporations and conservative think tanks funding efforts to discredit climate science. However, this new research reveals that economic motives alone fail to explain the global diffusion of CCCOs. Instead, the study identifies reactionary cultural dynamics as a driving force.
As environmental policies and discourse gain prominence worldwide, they not only mobilize pro-environmental groups but also trigger grievances and opposition among organizations that perceive these initiatives as a threat to their cultural identities and ideologies. This phenomenon is particularly evident in countries with robust environmental frameworks, where climate change issues have become more salient in the public sphere, fostering adversarial mobilization.
The study employed panel logistic regression models to analyze data across 164 countries. Key findings include:
The research underscores the importance of cultural narratives and identities in shaping the counter climate change movement. CCCOs often coalesce around shared opposition to what they perceive as overreach by environmental policies, leveraging rhetoric that champions free markets, individual liberties, and skepticism of scientific consensus. This opposition reflects a broader backlash against global liberal norms and institutions, with climate change policies serving as a focal point.
For example, organizations like Canada’s Friends of Science and the Heartland Institute in the United States have framed their resistance as a defense of “sound science” and economic freedom. These groups often utilize conferences, blogs, and social media to amplify their message and build networks, reinforcing their cultural identity and opposition to climate action.
The study’s findings have significant implications for addressing climate change and navigating the opposition it generates:
The research highlights a paradoxical dynamic: the global success of the environmental movement has not only advanced sustainability but also galvanized its opposition. Understanding the cultural and reactionary forces behind the counter climate change movement is essential for crafting effective policies and strategies. By addressing these dynamics, governments and advocates can foster a more inclusive and resilient approach to tackling the climate crisis—one that acknowledges and navigates the complexities of global cultural resistance.
This evolving interplay between environmental policies and opposition movements underscores the need for continued research and dialogue. As the world grapples with the urgent challenges of climate change, acknowledging and addressing the roots of resistance will be critical to building a sustainable and equitable future.