ABSTRACT

This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the literature on political communication of climate change, with a specific focus on populist far-right actors. While legacy and social media have been extensively studied in climate change communication, the chapter emphasises the growing attention to language-related aspects in social sciences, highlighting language’s role in shaping political issues and positions. The nexus between climate change and populist far-right actors is the primary focus of this investigation, underscoring the increasing scholarly interest in far-right climate change communication. The chapter outlines a shift from a broader examination of contemporary conservative actors to more specific investigations on the far right. It notes that far-right actors tend to obstruct climate action in various ways. To facilitate a nuanced discussion, the chapter begins by presenting the literature on climate obstruction, clarifying the term’s usage. It then delves into the state of climate change communication literature, specifically exploring the connection between political orientation and communication. The final section critically analyses the consideration of populism and its role in the discourse. The chapter highlights the evolving scholarly landscape and the need for deeper insights into the communication strategies of (populist) far-right party and non-party actors in the context of climate change.