Anti-Environmentalism Is Surging — But Built on Contradictions It Can’t Escape
Though gaining political clout in the West, the movement’s internal paradoxes and global shifts are weakening its foundation.
Across much of the Western world a wave of anti-environmentalism is rising challenging climate targets, attacking conservation measures, and reshaping politics in the US, UK, and Europe. Yet, behind the slogans and campaign rhetoric lies a movement riddled with contradictions.
At its core anti-environmentalism is a rejection of environmental policies and climate activism. But its messages are often inconsistent, even self-defeating. In one breath, leaders denounce climate science and defund environmental protections. In the next, they proclaim themselves lovers of “clean air” and “beautiful nature.”
Take Donald Trump. During his presidency, he rolled back k...
