On 23 June 2025, the webinar “Climate denialism and the far right: trade union strategies to fight back” will be held from 14:00 to 16:00 CEST (Rome–Brussels time). It is being promoted by the Just Transition and Climate Department of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the International Anti-Fascist Trade Union Network. The webinar will take place on the Zoom platform, and registration is compulsory to participate. Simultaneous interpretation will be available in English, French and Spanish.

The webinar will critically analyse the growing influence of climate denialism within the narratives of right-wing populists in various international contexts. From the US to the UK, and from Italy to Australia and Argentina, these political forces have exploited the climate issue to polarise public debate and pit environmental protection against workers' rights. Supporting these dynamics are often economic actors with vested interests in polluting sectors who are hostile to the presence of trade unions.

Their tactics include intimidation, Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), repression of independent media, direct attacks on trade unions and dissemination of populist messages aimed at vulnerable social groups.

Unions and other civil society actors have been bearing the brunt of these attacks across the world. How can we fight back? What strategies should we use to demonstrate that climate action can benefit workers? And how do we expose and undermine the toxic political agendas of the extreme right?
This meeting provides an opportunity for international discussion on potential responses and trade union strategies to combat the spread of climate denialism and counter the rise of the extreme right. It will also provide an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between labour organisations and other civil society actors dedicated to defending collective rights, climate justice and democracy.

To participate, you must register. You can do this by filling out the online form available at the following link.