How Ideology Affects Support for Climate Policies

 

Public Support for Climate Policies: Ideological Differences Between the Global North and the Global South

The debate on climate change has gained increasing prominence on the global stage, but public support for climate policies varies significantly between countries in the Global North (developed) and the Global South (developing).

A recent study published in the journal Environmental and Resource Economics, titled “Public support for climate policies and its ideological predictors across countries of the Global North and Global South”, authored by Christian Bretter and Felix Schulz, analyzes how ideological factors influence support for these policies in different socioeconomic contexts.

The article provides valuable insights for understanding the barriers and opportunities in implementing effective climate measures.

Methodology and Scope of the Study

The authors conducted a comprehensive study with representative samples from each of the three Global North countries (Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and Global South countries (Brazil, China, and South Africa) – among which are the largest emitters in their respective continents, contributing to 49.3% of global carbon emissions.

Additionally, factors such as economic development, social inequality, and exposure to climate impacts were considered.

Key Findings

1. Ideological Divergences in the Global North: In developed countries, political ideology proved to be a strong predictor of support for climate policies. Individuals with left-leaning tendencies tend to more strongly support measures such as carbon taxation and investments in renewable energy. Meanwhile, those on the right, often associated with free-market values and skepticism toward state intervention, are more resistant to these policies.

2. Socioeconomic Context in the Global South: In developing countries, political ideology plays a less determining role. Support for climate policies is more closely linked to practical concerns, such as vulnerability to climate impacts and the need for economic development. Many citizens view climate policies as an opportunity to improve quality of life and reduce inequalities, as long as they do not compromise economic growth.

3. Inequality and Climate Justice: The study highlights that, in the Global South, the perception of climate justice is crucial. Policies seen as imposed by wealthy countries, without considering local needs, tend to face resistance. On the other hand, initiatives that promote equity and tangible benefits for the local population are more widely accepted.

4. Impact of Education and Awareness: In both contexts, education and awareness about climate change play an important role in increasing support for climate policies. However, in the Global South, the lack of access to information and educational resources can limit this effect.

Implications for Public Policy

The study’s findings have significant implications for policymakers and climate activists. In the Global North, it is essential to overcome ideological polarization by promoting dialogues that connect climate policies to shared values, such as economic security and environmental protection.

In the Global South, policies must be adapted to local realities, emphasizing co-benefits such as job creation, poverty reduction, and climate resilience.

Furthermore, the study reinforces the need for fair and equitable international cooperation. Developed countries must take the lead in reducing emissions and financing climate actions in the Global South, recognizing their historical responsibilities and economic capabilities.

To increase public support for climate policies, policymakers should:

• Effective Communication: Clearly explaining how policies work and who benefits from them can increase public support.

• Consider Social Impacts: Ensuring that policies do not disproportionately harm vulnerable populations is essential to maintaining public support.

• Public Engagement: Incorporating public concerns and suggestions into the policy-making process can lead to more acceptable and effective solutions.

Synthesis

The article by Bretter and Schulz offers a comprehensive analysis of the complexities of public support for climate policies, highlighting the differences between the Global North and the Global South.

While political ideology is a central factor in developed countries, in the Global South, practical concerns and climate justice are more relevant.

To advance the global climate agenda, it is crucial to adopt contextualized approaches that consider these differences and promote international collaboration.

The study serves as a warning: without a deep understanding of local and global dynamics, the transition to a low-carbon economy may face insurmountable resistance.

The time to act is now, but action must be inclusive, fair, and adapted to the realities of each region.

Reference: Bretter, C., & Schulz, F. (2025). Public support for climate policies and its ideological predictors across countries of the Global North and Global South. Environmental and Resource Economics, in https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921800925000862

 
in EcoDebate, ISSN 2446-9394
 

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