Why caring about the climate is a right-wing issue

Environmental stewardship should not be the exclusive domain of the left, according to a Dagens Nyheter opinion piece. The author contends that conservative and liberal principles can provide a strong foundation for ambitious climate policies, challenging the perception that environmentalism is solely a progressive concern.

The piece highlights the work of philosopher Olle Torpman, whose book "En grön höger?" (A Green Right?) explores how liberal and conservative tenets can support robust climate action. It draws parallels to 17th-century philosopher John Locke, who emphasized preserving natural resources for future generations. This principle, the author suggests, can be applied to climate change by advocating for strict personal carbon budgets, potentially with a system for trading emissions rights.

While acknowledging that conservatism's inherent caution toward rapid change might seem at odds with swift climate action, the article proposes that an "offensive green policy" can be justified as a means to avert more drastic consequences of global warming. The conservative principle of stewardship, it argues, views nature as an inheritance to be managed for future generations.

The author points to Timbro, a Swedish think tank, as an example of a right-leaning organization embracing green policies. Timbro recently presented an environmental handbook with 120 proposals, including increased fuel taxes, road tolls, and the abolition of airport subsidies, suggesting a growing appetite within conservative circles for climate solutions.