Fears net zero is next Brexit' as oil crisis fuels political climate divide

"A powerful coalition of the well-funded Reform party, led by Nigel Farage, the Conservative party, some business interests, and the UK's right-wing media, are engaged in an onslaught against the longstanding target of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050."

"Experts warn that the same techniques that won the Brexit referendum for the Leave camp are now being brought to bear on the climate, blaming climate action for everything that's going wrong, despite it being clearly not to blame."

"Net zero can also seem remote to people, which does not help. Like the EU, net zero is an idea that can seem big, vague, distant, technocratic and not easy to describe."

"While the challengers to net zero are outspoken and confident, the supporters can seem weak, making it difficult to counter the narrative being pushed by opponents."

A coalition opposing net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is gaining momentum, claiming it exacerbates the oil crisis. This group includes the Reform party, Conservative party, and right-wing media. Despite over 60% public support for climate action, experts warn that tactics used in the Brexit campaign are being applied to undermine net zero. Critics argue that climate action is being scapegoated for economic issues, while supporters appear less vocal. The concept of net zero is perceived as distant and technocratic, making it harder for the public to connect with its immediate benefits.

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