The Populist Revolt Against Climate Policy

This article examines the growing political backlash against climate policy in advanced economies and the role of populist movements in shaping opposition to decarbonization efforts. Campanella and Lawrence argue that climate policies imposing concentrated economic costs on specific industries, workers, or regions can fuel resentment, political polarization, and anti-elite mobilization. The authors discuss how policymakers can design climate strategies that are economically and politically sustainable by addressing distributional concerns, protecting vulnerable communities, and building broader public support for the green transition.