Denying the heat: Climate change skepticism on the American far-right

Abstract

This research adopts secondary research with an exploratory design, suitable for examining the complex and multifaceted nature of climate change skepticism within the American far-right. The study is structured around three key dimensions. Historical Analysis: Archival research and secondary data sources (e.g., speeches, policy documents, media articles, and think tank publications from the 1960s onward) are used to trace the evolution of anti-environmentalism and its institutionalization within conservative politics. Ideological Discourse Analysis: The research employs discourse analysis to examine the narratives promoted by far-right political figures, conservative think tanks, and biased media outlets, particularly those shaping public attitudes toward climate change. Elite Interviews that are available on Pakistani social media YouTube access including policymakers, environmental activists, former think tank affiliates, and climate journalists, to gain insider perspectives on the mechanisms and motivations behind climate skepticism. The author of this paper analyzed data using thematic analysis. Themes are developed inductively, identifying recurring patterns and divergences across ideological, economic, and media-related dimensions. Insights are integrated with findings from the literature and discourse analysis to develop a holistic understanding of the climate change skepticism on the American right phenomenon.