While the reality of climate change has been widely acknowledged across the political spectrum and by society at large, the question of how to manage mitigation and the adaptation to a warming planet is more disputed than ever. Throughout Europe, the costs, benefits, and social implications of the energy transition are at the core of political divisions. Meanwhile floods, droughts and other extreme weather events have become the new normal, sparking debate on the effects of rising temperatures.  

That the climate is finally at the centre of the debate in much of Europe can be considered a positive fact. But the climate crisis is not immune to culture wars and polarisation. At a time when European politics seems to be shifting to the Right, climate policies are facing a backlash – a trend that will likely shape the run-up to the 2024 European elections. Meanwhile, climate activists are resorting to more radical methods to make their voice heard.  

In this context, the media have a key role to play in ensuring that the public debate around climate issues is informed and fact-based. Media coverage remains a crucial factor in how phenomena such as extreme weather events, and policies such as those of the European Green Deal, are interpreted and politicised. 

This series of articles looks at the way the media in different European countries are covering issues that have to do with climate change, from activism to adaptation and mitigation.

This project is organised by the Green European Foundation in collaboration with Voxeurop and with the support of the European Parliament to the Green European Foundation. The EU Parliament is not responsible for the content of this project.

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