far right
Trump denies knowing about Project 2025 crafted by his former officials
Former Trump officials, including senior energy and environmental appointees, have created Project 2025, a policy blueprint for a potential second term, despite Trump claiming no knowledge of it.
In short:
- Project 2025 is a policy guide organized by the Heritage Foundation and co-authored by former Trump officials, aiming to reshape energy and environmental policies.
- Key contributors include Mandy Gunasekara, William Perry Pendley, and Bernard McNamee, who propose significant regulatory rollbacks and agency overhauls.
- The Biden campaign criticizes the project as extreme, linking it directly to Trump’s agenda despite his disavowal.
Key quote:
“It’s not meant to be a blueprint for Donald Trump — it’s meant to be a blueprint for a conservative president.”
— Stephen Moore, Project 2025 co-author
Why this matters:
Project 2025 could influence future conservative administrations, potentially leading to major shifts in U.S. energy and environmental policies. The debate around this blueprint highlights the political divide over environmental regulation and climate change strategies.
European election results could hinder ambitious climate policies
Recent gains by far-right parties in the European Parliament elections may obstruct efforts to implement more ambitious climate policies, though key net-zero commitments are expected to persist.
In short:
- The European Green Party suffered significant losses, while far-right parties made substantial gains in the recent European Parliament elections.
- Voter concerns about the cost-of-living crisis and geopolitical tensions have taken precedence over climate change, impacting election outcomes.
- Despite the political shift, researchers believe core climate goals like the European Green Deal are likely to remain intact.
Key quote:
"I don't think that there is going to be appetite to completely ditch the Green Deal."
— Richard Klein, Stockholm Environment Institute
Why this matters:
The shift in political power within the European Parliament may slow the advancement of stronger climate initiatives, affecting long-term environmental targets. Understanding these changes is important, as they may influence the EU's approach to climate policy and international environmental leadership.
Polish farmer protest movement reveals far-right connections
A new Polish farmers' group with far-right ties has gained political attention after protesting against EU climate policies and Ukrainian food imports.
Marta Kasztelan, Clare Carlile, and Phoebe Cooke report for DeSmog.
In short:
- Orka, a recently formed farmers' group, suspended a hunger strike after securing talks with Polish President Andrzej Duda.
- The group has ties to the far-right Confederation Party, raising concerns about its political motivations.
- Protests have emerged across Poland against EU environmental regulations, with Orka aiming to discard the EU's Green Deal.
Key quote:
“It’s very difficult to fight this kind of misinformation.”
— Krzysztof Cibor, head of campaigns, Greenpeace Poland
Why this matters:
The rise of Orka reflects how populist and far-right parties can leverage local discontent to challenge EU policies, potentially destabilizing political landscapes and undermining efforts to combat climate change.
For more aboutthe rise of the far-right in Europe:
Green policies and the rise of the far right in Europe
A new study reveals a growing backlash in Europe against green policies, which is driving voters toward far-right political parties.
In short:
- Rising energy costs linked to green initiatives have increased support for far-right parties in Europe, such as the Netherlands and Germany.
- Restrictions on gas-powered vehicles and mandatory heat pump installations have sparked widespread protests and political shifts.
- These changes are perceived as unfairly burdening individuals rather than spreading costs across society and corporations.
Key quote:
"This has really expanded the coalition of the far right."
— Erik Voeten, professor of geopolitics at Georgetown University
Why this matters:
When people feel that changes are imposed on them without adequate consultation or consideration of their immediate concerns, there's a risk they will reject not just the specific policies but also the parties that promote them.
Far-right parties have capitalized on this discontent by framing green policies as elitist and disconnected from the common man's immediate economic concerns, promising to roll them back in favor of short-term economic relief.
Does the U.S. have its own far-right problem? Peter Dykstra argued last year that the Supreme Court has taken a brazen anti-regulatory turn. It’s our planet and health that will suffer.
Far-right groups in Germany target climate policies
Amid concerns over the cost of climate initiatives, far-right political elements in Germany, including the Alternative for Germany (AfD), have intensified their attacks on green policies, attributing societal discontent to the economic implications of these environmental measures.
In short:
- In Görlitz and other regions, the AfD and movements like Free Saxony rally against green policies, associating them with overregulation and loss of personal freedoms.
- Despite the growth of far-right sentiments, studies reveal that there is no widespread backlash against climate measures, but rather a deep political polarization.
- Researchers note that opposition to environmental policies in Germany is more about political ideology than economic impact, with AfD supporters particularly disinterested in proactive climate action.
Key quote:
"Our main takeaway is that there’s no widespread green backlash."
— Markus Kollberg, political scientist at Humboldt University Berlin
Why this matters:
The AfD’s rhetoric often frames ambitious environmental targets, such as those set by the European Union, as overreaches into national governance. This could potentially sway public opinion against necessary measures to combat climate change, thereby undermining progress on environmental goals that are crucial to global efforts to limit temperature rises as stipulated in the Paris Agreement.
Meanwhile in the U.S.: EHN’s Peter Dykstra argued last year that the Supreme Court has taken a brazen anti-regulatory turn. It’s our planet and health that will suffer.
Farmers' discontent fuels far-right agendas in Europe
Amid mounting grievances over agriculture policies, Europe’s far right capitalizes on farmer protests to push their political agenda.
Emily Rauhala and Virgile Demoustier report for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Farmers in Europe express frustration over economic pressures and strict regulations, leading to widespread protests.
- Far-right parties leverage these protests, promising to overhaul agricultural policies and appealing to nationalistic sentiments.
- Key elections loom as these parties gain traction, suggesting a potential political shift in the region.
Key quote:
"It’s a European mistake that the voice of the people is not taken seriously. … We have to find new leaders who really represent the people."
— Viktor Orban, Prime Minister of Hungary
Why this matters:
Farmers often face economic challenges due to fluctuating market prices, high production costs, and competition from imported goods. When agricultural policies fail to adequately support farmers or address their concerns, it can exacerbate their economic strain. This frustration may lead them to seek solutions outside mainstream political channels.
Success of Geert Wilders’ far-right PVV raises fears for Dutch climate policies
The shocking success of Geert Wilders’ far-right PVV party in Dutch elections has left climate activists fearful of a drastic shift to fossil fuels and a rollback of climate policies if it manages to form a government.
