Climate Change - Rebuilding the Consensus and Changing the Narrative

In the context of increasing political attacks on the UK’s net zero target and divisive party divides over climate change, this half-day conference, organised by the PAIS Environmental Politics Cluster, will provide a deep dive into climate politics in the UK.

In 2019 a Conservative government implemented a target for the UK to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 without any objections by MPs. By 2025, the Conservative Party (alongside Reform UK) were campaigning to scrap the target. The shattering of the UK’s political consensus on climate change is part of a broader international ‘vibe shift’ on the issue.

Across two expert-led sessions we will debate why the politics of climate change have become so divisive in recent years in the UK and how the narrative surrounding this issue could be changed.

The second panel session will feature a series of pitches for policy ideas which could help cut the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions while also shifting the narrative on the issue, with attendees voting on their favourite.

Find out more about climate change activity in PAIS.

Find out more about the Politics of Climate Change MA.

Panel 1 - UK Climate Change Politics - Where did it all go wrong?

This panel will consider what we mean when we say that climate change has become more divisive in the UK and why this has happened.

Chair: Professor Caroline Kuzemko - University of Warwick

Speakers:

Professor Matthew Lockwood - University of Sussex

Dr Mitya Pearson - University of Warwick

Further speakers tbc.

Panel 2 - UK Climate Change Policy - Shifting the narrative

This panel session will feature a series of pitches on policy ideas which the UK government could implement to help tackle climate change while also shifting the narrative on the issue in some way (for example by providing useful co-benefits).

Chair: TBC

Speakers:

Professor Carolyn Snell - University of York

Further speakers tbc.

Schedule:

12:30 - Lunch

13.15 - Panel 1

14.45 - Break

15.00 - Panel 2

16.30 - Close