Kemi Badenoch's recent speech criticized the feasibility of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 without severe economic repercussions. Despite her lack of background in climate science and renewable energy, her remarks reflect a growing trend among political factions anticipating a backlash against climate action. Scholars like David Runciman have foreseen such a movement, with anti-green narratives evolving from outright climate denial to framing climate action as economically detrimental. This rhetorical shift mirrors strategies observed pre-Brexit, suggesting a concerted effort to undermine climate regulation in favor of economic arguments.
Badenoch argues that achieving net zero by 2050 will require sacrificing living standards or facing bankruptcy, though her lack of expertise raises questions.
Predictions about a backlash against net zero have come true, with figures like David Runciman and Ben Stewart outlining the anti-green arguments that would arise.
Before Brexit, the strategy was to undermine climate regulations, culminating in the current stance that while climate change is real, action is deemed too costly.
The evolution of anti-green sentiment began with denying the science, then acknowledging it but downplaying impacts, and now arguing against action on economic grounds.
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