![](https://worldnewsradar.id/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/BANNER-RENT-300X47-COLUMN-1.png"){kind=small}
As Europe and North America endure scorching heatwaves intensified by fossil fuel-driven climate change, public concern about global warming appears to be waning. While individuals like Julie, a retiree in Essex, recognize the discomfort and potential danger of extreme heat, many remain passive, uncertain about how to respond, and disillusioned with government efforts. Despite mounting climate-related disasters, support for strong climate policies continues to decline across much of the developed world, creating an opportunity for far-right political groups to seize control of the narrative and stall meaningful action.
I. Public Attitudes Toward the Heatwave and Climate Crisis
1. Personal Concern Without Urgency
Julie, a retired public servant in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, acknowledges the increasingly unbearable heat but remains unconvinced that much can be done. Though she expresses concern for younger generations, her own sense of alarm is minimal, echoing a wider resignation found across much of the public.
2. Climate Fatigue Amid Broader Issues
Ed Hodgson from the research group More in Common observes that concerns about climate change have been overshadowed by other issues like the cost of living and healthcare. While many people recognize that recent weather patterns are abnormal and link them to the climate crisis, their level of engagement and support for solutions has noticeably declined.
II. Political Backlash Against Green Policies
1. Declining Support for Climate Goals
Recent polling shows that the UK public’s support for reaching net zero emissions by 2050 has dropped significantly—from 62% to 46%. At the same time, the number of people who are worried about climate change has also decreased, highlighting a shift in public priorities.
2. Rise of Far-Right Climate Narratives
Far-right parties across Europe have capitalized on the growing climate fatigue. In the UK, Reform UK—known for its opposition to net zero targets—is gaining traction in areas vulnerable to climate disasters. In mainland Europe, figures like Santiago Abascal in Spain and Claudio Borghi in Italy have openly mocked climate initiatives, despite their countries facing deadly wildfires and record temperatures.
3. Attacks on Climate Solutions
German far-right leaders have downplayed extreme heat, comparing it to past weather events and accusing environmental movements of exaggeration. In France, Marine Le Pen called for widespread air conditioning, while opposing renewable energy projects. Her proposal has drawn criticism from government officials, who argue it ignores the root causes of the crisis and undermines long-term solutions.
III. Political and Social Contradictions
1. Popular Support for Far-Right Parties Despite Climate Risks
Paradoxically, far-right parties that downplay or obstruct climate action continue to poll strongly across Europe. In countries like Germany and France, these parties have gained considerable influence, even though only a small fraction of voters outright deny climate science.
2. Voter Motivations Beyond Environmental Policy
Pollsters have found that most supporters of far-right groups are not primarily motivated by environmental concerns. For example, only 6% of Reform UK voters cite green policies as a key voting issue. However, these voters do perceive general threats more intensely and are drawn to politicians who offer strong, often combative, responses.
3. Strategic Framing of Climate Debate
Ciarán Cuffe, co-chair of the European Green Party, points out that far-right figures are no longer just denying climate change—they’re strategically focusing on attacking the proposed solutions. Calls for air conditioning and other short-term fixes are part of a broader narrative shift, acknowledging the crisis while opposing the policies meant to solve it.
IV. Challenges for Climate Advocates
1. Far-Right Success in Controlling the Narrative
Climate activists argue that far-right parties are dominating the public discourse on environmental issues, leading to weaker support for climate action and emboldening centrist politicians to abandon green commitments without facing public backlash.
2. Lack of Unified Strategy from Pro-Climate Groups
Luisa Neubauer, a prominent German activist with Fridays for Future, criticized the lack of coordination among climate advocates and political leaders. She emphasized that the climate debate has become a battle over language and truth—one that is not being effectively countered by those supporting climate action.
3. A Call for Stronger Engagement
Neubauer and others argue that the climate movement must become more vocal and strategic to push back against misinformation and political inertia. Without a clear and unified response, the climate crisis risks becoming another issue buried beneath more immediate concerns.
Conclusion
Despite rising temperatures and worsening climate-related disasters, public urgency and political commitment to climate action are fading. The far right has successfully reframed the conversation, presenting green policies as burdensome while offering simplistic alternatives. As support for climate targets weakens, and governments retreat from ambitious plans, climate advocates warn of the dangers of silence and complacency in a rapidly warming world.
