kathimerini.gr
Heartland Institute Campaigns Against EU Environmental Policies with Far-Right Allies
The US-based Heartland Institute, a climate science denial think tank, is collaborating with right-wing and far-right European politicians to campaign against environmental policies, lobbying against legislation like the EU's Nature Restoration Law and resulting in delays.
- How is the Heartland Institute's funding and political connections facilitating its anti-environmental campaign in Europe?
- Heartland's strategy leverages the right-wing shift against climate action. The Institute, funded by corporations like ExxonMobil and wealthy Republican donors, established a London base to influence European policy. Their actions include working with MEPs to campaign against environmental legislation, such as the Nature Restoration Law, and organizing events featuring climate change denial.
- What specific actions is the Heartland Institute taking to undermine environmental policies in Europe, and what are the immediate consequences?
- The Heartland Institute, a US-based climate science denial think tank with ties to the Trump administration, is collaborating with right-wing and far-right European politicians to campaign against environmental policies, according to a Guardian report. This collaboration involves lobbying efforts and speaking engagements within the European Parliament, raising concerns about a resurgence of climate change denial.
- What are the potential long-term implications of the Heartland Institute's collaboration with far-right European political figures on climate policy and broader societal impacts?
- The Heartland Institute's influence on delaying or weakening environmental policies in the EU could have significant long-term consequences. This includes hindering climate action goals and potentially exacerbating the negative impacts of climate change. The collaboration between the Institute and far-right political groups underscores the growing challenge posed by organized climate denial.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the Heartland Institute's activities negatively, highlighting their connections to climate change denial and far-right political actors. The headline and introduction emphasize the Institute's alleged efforts to undermine climate policies. While this is supported by evidence, the framing could be considered biased by focusing primarily on negative actions rather than presenting a more balanced view of the Institute's activities or potential motivations. The use of phrases like 'climate change denial', 'extremist', and 'undermine' significantly contributes to this negative framing.
Language Bias
The article uses strong, negative language to describe the Heartland Institute and its allies. Words like 'extremist', 'far-right', 'undermine', 'propaganda', and 'deniers' are used repeatedly. While these words may accurately reflect the views of the individuals involved, they contribute to a negative and potentially biased portrayal. More neutral language could be used, such as referring to 'those who question climate policies', 'critics of climate action' and 'political groups with differing environmental policies' instead of 'climate change deniers' or 'far-right groups'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the Heartland Institute's actions and their collaboration with right-wing and far-right politicians in Europe. However, it could benefit from including perspectives from the Heartland Institute itself, offering a chance to respond to the accusations and present their position. Additionally, a broader range of viewpoints on the impact of climate policies on workers and the economy might provide a more balanced perspective. The article mentions concerns about rising energy prices and energy poverty, but doesn't delve deeply into solutions or alternative approaches beyond the ones presented by the Heartland Institute and its allies.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a clear dichotomy between those who support strong climate action and those who oppose it, often associating the latter with the Heartland Institute and far-right political groups. This framing simplifies a complex issue where there are likely diverse viewpoints and motivations within each group. While the article notes that Solidarity rejects 'climate hysteria' but isn't a climate change denier, it doesn't fully explore the nuances of this position or other potentially dissenting viewpoints within the environmental movement.
Sustainable Development Goals
The Heartland Institute, a climate science denial think tank, is actively collaborating with right-wing and far-right political figures in Europe to campaign against environmental policies. This includes lobbying efforts to delay, weaken, or repeal climate legislation, and spreading misinformation about climate change. Their actions directly hinder efforts to mitigate climate change and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.