Cultural Backlash and the Counter Climate Change Movement

What drives organized resistance to climate action? Beyond economics, new insights reveal the power of cultural and ideological opposition on a global scale.

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Over the last three decades, the climate change debate has intensified, giving rise not only to increased advocacy for environmental action but also to the emergence of organized opposition. This global phenomenon, termed the “counter climate change movement,” extends beyond traditional economic motives and underscores the growing influence of reactionary cultural dynamics. New research published in PLOS ONE (2025) provides a comprehensive analysis of the spread of counter climate change organizations (CCCOs) across 164 countries from 1990 to 2018. The findings highlight the complex interplay between environmental policies and the cultural opposition they inspire, shedding light on an often-overlooked dimension of global climate discourse.

Shifting from Economic Interests to Cultural Resistance

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.

Key Findings from the Study

The study employed panel logistic regression models to analyze data across 164 countries. Key findings include:

  • Strength of Environmental Policies: Countries with stronger environmental commitments—such as more international environmental agreements, older environmental ministries, and higher numbers of climate mitigation laws—were more likely to see the emergence of CCCOs.
  • Cultural Reaction Over Economic Factors: Surprisingly, traditional economic indicators like oil rents and greenhouse gas emissions per capita were not significant predictors of CCCO formation. Instead, cultural and institutional factors played a more prominent role.
  • Global Diffusion: The presence of CCCOs in one country increased the likelihood of their emergence in others, suggesting that these organizations gain legitimacy and mobilize more effectively through transnational networks.

Understanding the Role of Cultural Dynamics

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.

Implications for Policymakers and Advocates

The study’s findings have significant implications for addressing climate change and navigating the opposition it generates:

  • Anticipating Opposition: Policymakers should recognize that robust environmental policies can inadvertently mobilize counter movements. Proactively addressing the grievances and identities that fuel this opposition can help mitigate backlash.
  • Engaging in Inclusive Discourse: Advocates for climate action should adopt communication strategies that appeal to broader cultural values and reduce polarization. Framing climate policies in ways that emphasize co-benefits, such as economic growth and community resilience, may foster greater public support.
  • Strengthening International Collaboration: As CCCOs gain legitimacy through transnational networks, global climate advocates must enhance international cooperation to counter disinformation and promote science-based solutions.

A Dual-Edged Sword

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.

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