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Which former British prime minister likened the climate crisis to “a clock ticking to the furious rhythm of hundreds of billions of pistons and turbines and furnaces and engines … quilting the Earth in an invisible and suffocating blanket of CO2”?
This extravagant phrasing undoubtedly points to Boris Johnson, a former leader not only known for his flamboyant approach to Brexit but also for his advocacy for achieving net-zero emissions. However, this aspect of his political identity didn’t resonate widely and was mostly overlooked within the Conservative party’s messaging.
In the aftermath of Johnson, subsequent Conservative leaders have distanced themselves from his urgent rhetoric concerning carbon emissions, and they have also rejected the ambitious targets set by Theresa May for reducing them. Kemi Badenoch, the current Secretary of State for Business and Trade, acknowledges the reality of climate change but typically highlights the challenges and costs associated with transitioning to green energy, often as an afterthought to her criticisms of the transition’s timeline.
Currently, the Conservative Party seems to be mirroring the sentiments of Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, who has dismissed net-zero policies as “lunacy” that result in job losses and increased household expenses. Farage’s agenda includes abolishing carbon targets and imposing taxes on renewable energy sources.
Farage aims to channel cultural and economic grievances, stepping into a role that was previously dominated by his anti-European Union rhetoric, which has become less relevant. He seeks to capitalize on climate skepticism, rallying disillusioned voters against what he describes as the elitism of urban liberals. “This could be the next Brexit, where parliament is so hopelessly out of touch with the country,” he asserted recently, although he seems to have abandoned earlier calls for a referendum on net-zero policies.
The Conservative Party appears too beleaguered and intellectually fatigued to develop its own narrative and has largely followed Reform’s lead. The Labour Party, on the other hand, is also exhibiting a similar hesitation, as there is concern that Farage connects unusually well with working-class voters despite his affluent background.
The dynamics are further complicated by the right-leaning media, which amplifies Reform’s messaging while ridiculing Labour figures like Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy. Within Labour, there is a palpable anxiety about Miliband’s electoral viability, with some MPs using his name as shorthand for political liability amid speculations about potential reshuffling in the cabinet.
However, the government is not signaling a retreat in its climate strategy. In fact, Keir Starmer is set to reaffirm his commitment to renewable energy at an international summit in London, co-chaired by Miliband. This forthcoming address is likely to be framed more within economic pragmatism and national interests rather than the emotional appeal characteristic of Johnson.
Starmer’s message will focus on the benefits of investing in high-skill, high-wage industries and reducing dependence on volatile foreign energy sources, presenting the green transition as essential for job security and economic stability. If articulated effectively, this framework could resonate with the public and position Reform as aligned with stagnation and dependence on foreign regimes.
Polls indicate that skepticism towards the government’s net-zero targets is not the prevailing sentiment among voters. Even constituents of Reform and Conservative backgrounds are more inclined to believe that green investments would bolster the economy and lower living expenses than the contrary.
Moreover, concerns regarding climate change are pervasive, spanning demographics that voted to remain in the EU. For instance, a survey by More in Common found that 68% of Farage’s constituents in Clacton-on-Sea expressed being “somewhat” or “very” worried about climate issues.
Although pockets of intense anti-net-zero sentiment exist online, largely within radical right platforms, mainstream political leaders catering to these digital enclaves risk alienating themselves from broader public opinion. The rhetoric in these spaces often frames climate awareness as part of a culture war, further isolating those leaders from the mainstream political discourse.
The government will undoubtedly face challenges as it steers through the complexities of its energy transition. While there is an effective narrative to be crafted around the benefits of a greener future, upfront costs and compromises will persist as obstacles.
A cautionary example is Germany’s problematic initiative to phase out gas boilers, which faced backlash over the costs of alternatives such as heat pumps, ultimately contributing to the collapse of Olaf Scholz’s coalition. The far-right Alternative für Deutschland capitalized on this discontent.
Similarly, the July 2023 Uxbridge byelection illustrated the volatile relationship between climate policy and public perception. The Tories managed to win despite national polling trends, leveraging campaigns against congestion charging proposed by London’s mayor Sadiq Khan. However, the interpretation of that win as a significant shift led to miscalculations, as Rishi Sunak faced criticism for attempting to redirect the anti-Labour sentiment towards climate commitments.
As it stands, should Reform secure victories in upcoming local elections, it could spur a narrative that favors Farage’s skepticism towards climate policies. This sentiment may draw in Conservative climate skeptics, despite the nuanced motivations of the electorate. Such dynamics often involve intricate emotions and motivations that are difficult to dissect.
Calls will likely arise for Starmer to appease the radical right through concessions to Reform’s agenda. Responding to such pressures would be unwise; it would not only be ineffective but could also alienate Labour’s core supporters who anticipated an end to the era of catering to Farage’s populism.
In fact, the potential if even a small fraction of disillusioned Labour voters pivot towards the Liberal Democrats, Greens, or the Scottish National Party poses serious electoral risks for Starmer’s viability in future elections. These allegiances, already strained by government policies, would be irreparably damaged if Labour dialed back on climate commitments.
Embracing the green transition can help prevent this decline in voter confidence. It serves to distinctly position Starmer against the backdrop of Tory-Reform negativity regarding climate action. A well-crafted argument can align the prime minister with optimism, mainstream public opinion, and aspirations for cleaner air and a resilient economy. Meanwhile, his opponents can associate with the legacies of dictators and environmental degradation. Strategically, this approach is not only astute from a political perspective; it aligns with ethical imperatives as well.
Source
www.theguardian.com