Climate of Regression: Public Climate Attitudes and Radical Right Anti-Climate Mobilization in the Battle Around the Green Transition in Germany

Abstract

In the past, climate regressive movements and narratives have rather enjoyed a niche existence in public and political discourse in Germany. Recently, the more offensive climate policy under participation of the Green Party and the heated, populist debates about specific climate protection measures have increased public conflict concerning climate protection. The radical right, alongside parties of the democratic spectrum, successfully mobilizes fears of decline and loss against climate protection measures. Currently, there are indications that the formally high level of support for climate protection measures in Germany is decreasing. Against this background, we analyze a survey data set (N=8642) obtained in 2022/23 and investigate which of the numerous factors known from international research on climate perception and resistance to climate protection (including socio-demographic, socio-economic, political and cultural characteristics, as well as media use, institutional trust and exposure of climate risks) influence the perception of the climate crisis and the support for climate policies in Germany. In line with international research findings, our research points to a strong impact of political and cultural values, shaping attitudes towards climate change perception and action.