Regarding the relationship between conservatives and climate change policy, the actual situation is more complicated and cannot be simply summarized as “all conservatives oppose it.” There are significant differences in conservative positions in different countries, cultures, and political contexts, but some general trends and the reasons behind them can be summarized.： --- ### 1. **Ideology and policy tendencies** -**Economic priority**: Many conservatives (especially economic conservatives) tend to prioritize economic growth, market freedom, and reduced government intervention. They may worry that climate policies (such as carbon taxes and industry regulation) will increase corporate costs, affect employment, or weaken competitiveness. -**Vigilance against government expansion**: Conservatives are usually skeptical of large-scale government-led policies (such as the “Green New Deal”), believing that this may lead to excessive concentration of power or inefficient waste. -**Traditional energy dependence**: In countries with strong traditional energy industries (such as petroleum and coal) (such as the United States and Australia), conservatives may be more inclined to maintain the existing energy structure to protect the interests of related industries. --- ### 2. **Regional and cultural differences** -**United States**: The Republican Party (mainstream conservative) has long been skeptical of climate change science, partly due to the lobbying of the fossil fuel industry, the culture war (which regards environmentalism as a “left-wing agenda”), and distrust of international agreements (such as the Paris Agreement). -**Europe**: European conservatives (such as the German CDU) are more accepting of climate science, but advocate gradual reforms rather than radical policies. Far-right parties (such as the French National League) may combine environmental policies with anti-globalization and protectionism. -**Developing countries**: Some conservatives may believe that emission reduction obligations are an unfair burden imposed by developed countries and hinder their own development. --- ### 3. **Not all conservatives oppose** -**Environmental Conservatism (Green Conservatism)**: Some conservatives emphasize responding to climate change through market mechanisms (such as carbon trading), technological innovation (such as nuclear energy, carbon capture), and nature protection (such as forest management), rather than coercion. -**Religious conservative**: For example, Catholic Pope Francis has called for climate action, arguing that protecting the environment is a moral responsibility to “protect God's creation.” -**Young conservatives**: A new generation of conservatives (such as some Conservative MPs in the UK) are more likely to support climate policies, reflecting changes in public attitudes. --- ### 4. **Common reasons to oppose climate policies** -**Scientific doubts**: A few people deny man-made climate change (although the scientific consensus is very clear). -**Cost concerns**: It is believed that policies will lead to higher energy prices or a recession. -**Sovereignty issues**: Oppose the restrictions on national autonomy by international agreements. -**Cultural symbolization**: Resist environmentalism as part of the “progressive ideology”. --- ### 5. **Changes in Realpolitik** -With the increase of extreme climate events and the increase of public awareness, some conservative political parties have begun to adjust their strategies. For example： -The British Conservative Party passed legislation to commit to carbon neutrality by 2050. -Some Republicans in the United States promote “clean energy innovation” rather than directly denying climate change. --- ### Summary Attitudes towards climate policy within the conservative party are diverse, but mainstream conservatives (especially in the United States) have traditionally been more inclined to question or oppose radical emission reduction policies. This position stems more from economic philosophy, the influence of interest groups, or cultural identity, rather than a unified ideology. However, the urgency of the global climate crisis is prompting some conservatives to reassess their positions.