Global climate regression? Elections in 2024 put environmental action in jeopardy

In an unprecedented election year, populist victories such as Trump's in the US and the right in Europe have eroded global commitment to the climate crisis. While some regions are making progress, COP29's meager achievements underscore a worrying stalemate on global climate action, even as natural disasters and temperature records intensify.

An election year that changed the climate landscape

2024 has been a critical year for climate change, but not in the way expected. Instead of significant progress, elections in key countries have resulted in a weakening of environmental commitments. In the United States, Donald Trump's victory brought with it promises to dismantle climate policies, while in Europe, right-wing parties, which describe green measures as costly and unnecessary, won broad support in the European Union parliamentary elections.

The climate crisis has been relegated to the background of concerns such as inflation, energy prices and geopolitical tensions. Even at COP29 in Azerbaijan, The lack of world leaders and the defiant tone of the hosts underlined the global backsliding on climate action. Ilham Aliyev, the host country's president, defended fossil fuels as a "gift from God," while Argentina, led by Javier Milei, abandoned the negotiations, raising the possibility of an exit from the Paris Agreement.

The paradox of increasing climate disasters

This political apathy contrasts with the rise of climate disasters. In 2024, the world has faced record temperatures, devastating floods in Asia and the Americas, and extreme droughts in Europe. Yet these events have failed to put climate on the electoral agenda of many nations. According to Catherine Fieschi, an expert on populism, the political narrative has changed, moving away from the climate urgency to focus on the economy and energy stability.

In India, however, farmers affected by extreme weather managed to influence the re-election of Narendra Modi, who promised to tackle the local climate crisis. This contrast highlights how directly impacted populations are more inclined to demand action., while in advanced economies, the crisis seems to have become a secondary issue.

Activists' frustration and little progress achieved

The lack of progress at COP29 has fueled frustration among climate activists and leaders. Gerry Arances of the Center for Energy and Green Development sharply criticized the lack of funding for vulnerable countries and pointed out how commitments by historically polluting nations have fallen into a rhetorical vacuum. Leaders such as Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, They publicly questioned the value of these meetings if the biggest polluters continue without significant changes..

Despite this bleak outlook, the year has also seen progress. Renewable energy has grown rapidly, and Analysts suggest oil use could peak in the next decadeBut with a second Trump term on the horizon and time to limit warming to 1.5°C fast running out, optimism is hard to sustain. Every day lost, experts warn, is an opportunity the world cannot regain.

The impact of populism on climate action

The rise of populist leaders has changed the political discourse on climate change, linking it to economic and cultural narratives that present it as a luxury or an imposition. In Europe, some right-wing parties have used the energy crisis as a pretext to slow down or reverse climate policies., arguing that they prioritize working families over what they call “elitist green agendas.” This approach, while popular in the short term, could have devastating consequences as emissions continue to rise unchecked.

The political cost of ambitious climate policies

In many countries, leaders face a dilemma: whether to implement aggressive climate policies that might be unpopular because of their upfront cost or prioritize immediate measures that defer concerns like inflation and employment. This political cost is evident in places where voters have rejected proposals such as carbon taxes or restrictions in fossil fuel exploitation. Even in regions with progress, such as the UK under Labour leadership, governments must balance sustainability with economic viability to maintain public support.

The role of civil society and local movements

As governments retreat, grassroots movements and civil organizations have emerged as key players in maintaining climate momentum. Community-based renewable energy projects, Conservation initiatives and global protests have put pressure on political leaders and raised public awareness of the risks of inaction. However, these initiatives, while valuable, cannot replace the national and international policies needed to address the magnitude of the climate crisis.

Time is running out, the challenge intensifies

2024 has made it clear that climate change is no longer a universal priority, even as the impacts become more visible and devastating. This retreat in global political commitment underscores the urgency of finding new ways forward, from strengthening international alliances to encouraging local and business climate actionAs the clock ticks towards climate tipping points, the need for bold leadership and mass collaboration has never been more crucial. The future of the planet depends on decisions made today; every delay compounds the challenge for generations to come.