Populism vs. the planet: How leaders undermine climate adaptation (1995–2020)

Abstract

<p>Populist leadership has surged globally, yet its influence on climate adaptation remains insufficiently explored. This study examines the effects of left-wing and right-wing populist regimes on national readiness for climate adaptation. Drawing on a comprehensive dataset encompassing 24 countries from 1995 to 2020, the analysis applies advanced econometric techniques, utilizing the System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) approach to assess changes in institutional and fiscal capacities for climate adaptation. The results indicate that (a) populist governments are generally associated with reduced readiness, with (b) left-wing populist regimes exhibiting the most significant decline. (c) The findings underscore the pivotal role of political ideology in shaping climate policy outcomes. This study highlights the politicization of climate governance and offers critical insights for public policy debates, demonstrating that leadership ideology substantially influences whether a country progresses toward or regresses from sustained climate change preparedness.<br></p>