Forty-five more climate policies ditched while the world burns

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, July 30, 2026

Global climate policy has seen 45 rollbacks in the year leading to July 2026, particularly in Europe, even as severe wildfires and worsening climate events escalate. This weakening of commitments, driven in part by fossil fuel industry lobbying, threatens to undermine efforts to prevent dangerous temperature rises unless governments and scientists increase their advocacy and action.

Amid a global surge in wildfires, including severe blazes near Bordeaux, France, and Madrid, Spain, recent data reveals a significant rollback of climate policies worldwide. Over the 12 months leading to July 2026, 45 climate initiatives have been reversed globally, highlighting a troubling retreat from efforts to combat climate change during a period of escalating environmental crises.

This reversal spans multiple regions but is particularly pronounced in Europe, once regarded as a leader in emissions reduction. The continent has scaled back key measures involving carbon pricing, methane emissions control, and the transition away from petrol and diesel vehicles. Despite the persistence of numerous climate policies, experts warn that this trend of weakening commitments could undermine global efforts to curb rising temperatures.

The data, compiled by the climate action media platform We Don’t Have Time, suggests that lobbying by the fossil fuel industry and other sectors resistant to climate regulations is a primary driver behind these policy rollbacks. The platform calls for increased public pressure on governments to resist such influences, stressing the importance of mobilizing civic engagement through protests, elections, and media campaigns.

Furthermore, specialists emphasize the critical role scientists play in shaping public and political discourse on climate change. While a minority of climate researchers actively communicate urgent warnings, many remain silent due to concerns over funding, career advancement, and potential backlash within the scientific community. Advocates argue that a more unified and vocal scientific presence is needed to counteract misinformation and complacency that hinder effective climate action.

Climate science encompasses a broad range of disciplines, including geology, chemistry, physics, oceanography, meteorology, economics, and social sciences. Estimates indicate there are tens of thousands of climate scientists worldwide, and over 10 million scientists across various fields. Experts contend that if this community collectively amplified calls for robust climate policies and rapid emissions reductions, it could significantly influence policy decisions and public awareness.

The urgency is underscored by repeating climate phenomena such as the record-breaking wildfires in Europe and the intensifying El Niño pattern in the Pacific that threaten to accelerate global warming. Analysts warn that without immediate and sustained action, efforts to combat climate change risk further erosion, leaving the planet increasingly vulnerable to severe environmental and societal impacts.

As the climate crisis intensifies, the call for renewed commitments and scientific advocacy grows louder. The coming months will be critical in determining whether governments can overcome vested interests and reestablish effective policies to mitigate global heating and its catastrophic consequences.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.