Climate Denial Takes Center Stage at CPAC 2025

The 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference emphasized conservative opposition to climate policies, with leaders like Donald Trump and Liz Truss promoting fossil fuel interests and deregulation. The event marked a shift from scientific rhetoric to overt climate denial. CFACT, the only group addressing climate, contested prevailing science while echoing conservative calls for alternatives on campuses.

In February 2025, the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) outside Washington, D.C., became a platform for right-wing figures to advocate against climate policies. Key leaders, including Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and JD Vance, emphasized deregulation of fossil fuels, with Trump notably proclaiming the withdrawal from the Paris Agreement as a triumph. He labeled the Green New Deal as a “disaster,” despite it never being enacted as legislation, and claimed to have canceled mandates around electric vehicles that do not actually exist.

The conference reflected a shift from previous presentations, which featured scientific claims from climate denialists to a more direct anti-climate rhetoric. Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss voiced her frustration over the reversal of her fracking ban, also commenting on the detrimental impact of net-zero policies on domestic energy and manufacturing. She called for a comprehensive repeal of various laws she deemed harmful, including climate-related statutes.

Chris Wright, U.S. Secretary of Energy, echoed Trump’s pro-drilling message, promising to eradicate existing regulations to boost energy production. He framed competition with China, particularly in AI and energy production, as a central theme. While noting this focus, he underlined the need for increased energy output to support technological advancements, which he claimed will yield significant benefits in critical areas.

Governor Mike Dunleavy of Alaska discussed his ambitions for the energy sector during CPAC, highlighting proposals for a natural gas pipeline aimed at exporting to Asian markets. He emphasized that Alaska’s resources are vital to resolving broader national issues. Doug Burgum, the Secretary of the Interior, similarly stressed exploiting public lands for energy production with the aim of enhancing U.S. trade dynamics.

Despite the overwhelmingly opposing climate narratives at CPAC, the lone counterpoint was provided by CFACT, a conservative think tank focused on climate issues. Their representatives questioned the consensus on climate science, asserting that it remains unsettled. CFACT seeks to influence college students against prevailing leftist perspectives, describing the necessity for alternative viewpoints in educational settings.

This overall discussion at CPAC reflects a coordinated effort among conservative leaders to undermine climate policies while championing fossil fuel interests, with little regard for scientific evidence or the broader implications of climate change.

The 2025 CPAC showcased a pronounced commitment among conservative leaders to attack climate policy and advocate for fossil fuel deregulation. Key speakers, including Donald Trump and Liz Truss, rejected scientific perspectives on climate change and promoted a vision that favors energy production unimpeded by environmental protections. CFACT represented the sole dissenting voice regarding climate science amidst strong anti-climate sentiment, underscoring a sustained ideological battle that highlights divergent views on climate policy and energy priorities within the conservative movement.

Original Source: whowhatwhy.org