Caroline Lucas and Rupert Read propose eco-popularism

Caroline Lucas and philosopher Rupert Read have released a report advocating for “eco-popularism” as an alternative to eco-populism. The authors argue that climate action must move away from divisive binaries and instead focus on tangible actions that improve lives to gain genuine public support.

The report notes that right-wing populist narratives—which frame net zero and low-emission zones as expensive luxuries of the elite—are gaining traction by exploiting cost-of-living concerns and anxieties regarding the future. Lucas and Read suggest that addressing these issues requires more than temporary subsidies; it requires comprehensive plans for cheaper green energy, food security, and resilience against extreme weather events.