Abstract
Previous research has consistently pointed out that various populist far-right parties (PFRPs) demonstrate some form of resistance towards addressing climate change. In order to better comprehend their approach to climate-related matters, I examined how established PFRPs in Germany (AfD), Spain (Vox), and Austria (FPÖ) present and interpret the issue of climate change in their communication. Despite the alleged growth in public support for the far right in various European countries, research highlights that it is still primarily the mainstream parties that shape the public sphere. Consequently, I posit that in comprehending the discourse about climate change by PFRPs, it is important to encompass the national context of mainstream parties as well. Thus, before analysing PFRPs' climate change communication, I investigated the national policy field of climate change, defined by the mainstream parties' understanding of climate change in each respective country. To do so, I employed a methodological approach that combines critical discourse studies, including the discourse-historical approach (DHA) and conceptual history (Begriffsgeschichte). In a second step, drawing on DHA, I analysed how, when and in which context PFRPs communicate about climate change. Both phases integrated a variety of documents such as social media posts, press releases, parliamentary debates, policy documents, party manifestos and election programs over a period of five years (2016-2020). Results revealed that while the mainstream parties showed willingness to strengthen climate protection, PFRPs included various climate obstructionist arguments in their communication. Aspects and nuances of such arguments could often be connected to the respective national policy field. This research project highlights the intersections between the far right and mainstream parties, emphasizing the significance of examining specific actors and their communication or discourses. Additionally, understanding the national context becomes crucial for comprehending the communication strategies of individual parties.