Introduction
In many countries there are groups of citizens, for various reasons, that are reluctant to support the use of renewable energy, and many don’t believe in climate change. Climate Scorecard Country Managers were asked to address this issue in Report 81 through the following questions:
What group(s) of citizens are most reluctant to accept climate change and the use of renewable energy? Are they urban or rural based? Do they represent a particular cultural or ethnic group? A political point of view? A certain income level? An occupational category? How large are they and what is their percentage of the overall population? Is there more than one type of group?
What form does this resistance take? e.g. boycotts, lawsuits, political campaigns, protests, etc.
What are the reasons for their reluctance to accept climate change and use renewable energy? Do they lack adequate information? Lack sufficient access or tools, such as batteries? Is renewable energy too expensive for them to use? Do they prefer fossil fuels (if so, why?)?
What are the strategies that are being tried or could be tried to address popular resistance to accepting climate change and/or using renewable energy? Are these strategies working? What is the evidence of their effectiveness or lack of effectiveness? How can they be strengthened?
Primary Influencer
Each Country Report identifies a person or an organization that could influence and beliefs and behaviors of those who disbelieve or oppose climate change.
Table A presents highlights from each Country Report. The detailed Country Reports are provided below.
| Country | Climate Change Opposition |
| Australia |
|
| Brazil |
|
| Canada |
|
| China |
|
| European Union |
|
| France |
|
| Germany |
|
| India |
|
| Indonesia |
|
| Japan |
|
| Mexico |
|
| Nigeria |
|
| Saudi Arabia |
|
| South Africa |
|
| Spain |
|
| United Kingdom |
|
| United States |
|
Country Reports
Opposition to Renewable Energy Projects and the Promotion of Nuclear Energy in Australia
Stances supported by right-wing political parties seeking to maintain the fossil fuel industry in the country and their traditional voting base Australia has a history of opposition to climate change in some community segments. Polarization around the science of climate change and the role of Australia in exporting it to the world via its…
Many People in Brazil Do Not Have Access to Adequate Information About Climate Change and the Benefits of Renewable Energy
In general, in Brazil, the most reluctant groups include: Farmers and rural residents often rely on fossil fuels for their daily activities and may be skeptical about the effectiveness of renewable energy. Political parties with strong fossil fuel sector support may resist changes threatening these interests. Low-income individuals may not have access or financial resources…
Many Canadians Hold Conflicting Attitudes on Energy Transition
Last year, ReClimate’s research center at Carleton University released a report on Canadian responses to climate change and clean energy, showing that 70% of Canadians say governments should do more about climate change. Over 90% support growth in renewable power and clean energy, while almost 60% say oil and gas remain important to our future…
Climate Change Opposition in China
Climate Change Opposition Consists of Communities in Coal-Dependent Regions, Citizens Concerned About Economic Trade-Offs, and Less Educated Citizens Groups and reasons: In China, attitudes towards climate change and the use of renewable energy have been generally positive since 2009-2011. However, they were often depicted as a Western hoax designed to torpedo China’s economic rise before…
The Need to Address Disinformation and Prioritize a Just Transition in the European Union
Context Five years ago, the Green Party achieved its best-ever performance in the European elections. This marked a turning point in EU politics, amplifying environmental and climate issues on the policy agenda. The European Green Deal was approved in 2019 and designed as the EU’s compass to achieve those objectives. In the years following, considerable…
Climate Reluctance in France
In France, there is a mix of groups displaying various degrees of reluctance regarding climate change and renewable energy adoption: Rural Communities perceive climate policies as restrictive and costly, impacting traditional agricultural methods they believe in. Certain political affiliations and right-wing and populist groups express scepticism toward climate science and policies, viewing them as top-down,…
Germany Climate Opposition Comes from Right-Wing Political Parties with Climate-Skeptic Platforms
Since 1990, Germany has set ambitious climate protection and emissions reduction targets and invested heavily in renewable energy to meet national and international environmental goals. This commitment has made Germany a key leader in European climate policy and positioned it as a major player in international climate change initiatives. However, this environmental leadership faces challenges,…
No Organization in India is Reluctant to Accept Climate Change or the Need for Renewable Energy
There appears to be consensus in India about severe climatic episodes and urgent action at all levels to support climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience measures. This is also reflected in the fact that the majority of the population in the country across urban, semi-urban, rural, river, and seaside areas is favorably inclined to have access…
More Investment in Education and Rural Energy Infrastructure is Needed to Make Renewables a Widely Accepted and Utilized Energy Source in Indonesia
In Indonesia, resistance to climate change initiatives and renewable energy adoption is mainly observed in certain rural communities, specific economic groups, and energy industry segments. Rural areas, particularly on islands with limited resources, often show reluctance due to their heavy dependence on fossil fuels and diesel-based power systems, deeply embedded in local economies. These communities…
Climate Change Skepticism in Japan: Challenges and Opportunities for Renewable Energy Expansion
In a country known for its technological advancements and environmental consciousness, Japan faces an unexpected hurdle in its fight against climate change: a growing group of climate skeptics and renewable energy (RE) opponents. Recent studies have illuminated this complex issue, revealing surprising insights into who these skeptics are and why they resist change. Despite Japan…
Economic Barriers, Misinformation, and Cultural Attachment are the Main Motivations for Those Who Oppose Renewable Energy in Mexico
In Mexico, skepticism or resistance to acknowledging climate change and transitioning to renewable energy is evident among various groups, primarily shaped by economic, political, and cultural factors. These groups include: Low-Income Rural Populations: Many rural communities, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas, rely heavily on traditional fuels such as wood, coal, or gas. Renewable energy…
Rural Areas are Among the Most Hesitant to be Reached Regarding Renewable Energy Solutions in Nigeria
Identifying Opposition Groups in Nigeria In Nigeria, various societal groups resist accepting climate change and adopting renewable energy solutions. This resistance is often rooted in socioeconomic, cultural, and political factors that reflect the diverse contexts of different communities across the country. Rural communities comprise nearly 48% of Nigeria’s population and are among the most hesitant…
Younger, Urban Saudis Increasingly Support Sustainable Practices
Those who don’t believe in climate change represent a smaller segment of the population In Saudi Arabia, climate change scepticism or reluctance toward renewable energy is often more prevalent among older citizens and individuals from rural areas, many of whom have long depended on oil and traditional energy sectors for employment and income. These groups…
Due to Economic Challenges, Both Urban and Rural Communities in South Africa Seem to be Struggling to Accept and Adopt Renewable Energy
Even though South Africa has great potential for renewable energy, the adoption of renewable energy is very low. According to researchers, about 10% of households have adopted renewable energy for their day-to-day use. 90% of the South African population has yet to accept and adopt renewable energy. This is because renewable energy is still beyond…
Public Distrust of the Unreliability of Climate Change Policies in Spain
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently indicated in its Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update report that there is a 50% chance that global temperature will reach 1.5 °C by 2026. When the Paris Agreement set this limit, the probability was just 10%. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)’s 2024 Emissions Gap Report, published…
Addressing Climate Opposition in the UK Requires a Multifaceted Approach Involving Education, Economic Support, and Tailored Outreach to Sceptical Communities
In the United Kingdom, as in many countries, specific groups of citizens resist acknowledging climate change or adopting renewable energy. This essay explores these groups’ characteristics, the forms of resistance they engage in, the reasons for their reluctance, and the strategies that have been implemented or could be implemented to address this issue. By understanding…
Support for Efforts to Combat Climate Change Has Lessened Among Republicans in the US
An Email Inquiry to a Republican Climate Advocate (Debbie Dooley, Tea Party Patriots) Dear Debbie Dooley: 11/17/2024 debbie@mainstreetpatriots.usI acknowledge that you have worked with the Republican party and respect that you are also a vocal and strong advocate for solar energy in the United States, particularly in the conservative movement. I also recognize…