Nigel Farage on Climate Change

Nigel Farage has expressed skepticism regarding the scientific consensus on anthropogenic climate change and has actively opposed policies designed to combat global warming, such as net zero targets. His past rhetoric sometimes dismissed the issue or suggested it was overstated, comparing the focus on it to a religion and stating he did not know if carbon dioxide emissions drove climate change. More recently, following his leadership of Reform UK for the 2024 General Election, his stance has appeared more circumspect, stating in one interview that he was "not arguing the science" but believed there had been "a bit of hype" since the late 1980s.

His primary current focus is the economic cost of climate policy, which he frames as a threat to British industry and household finances. He and his party have campaigned to scrap net zero targets, arguing this has led to higher energy prices and the closure of vital industries like steel production, which he claims simply reopens overseas under lower environmental standards. His administration would prioritise fast-tracking clean nuclear energy and expanding North Sea gas and oil licences, while his deputy has suggested the UK should quit UN climate bodies, mirroring the position of his political ally, the former US President.