Populism, elite cues and coal power plants: Public attitudes to fossil fuels reduction in Central Europe

The paper analyzes the role of political attitudes and contextual factors in public attitudes to fossil fuel energy and policy measures aiming at its reduction. We focus on the case of the Czech Republic where fossil fuels still account for the bulk of total energy supply and domestic energy. Moreover, the resistance to the reduction of fossil fuel emissions has become a major issue for populist and conservative parties in the country. Based on an original survey and using a multi-level regression model, we show the major role of ideology and political cues in public resistance to the reduction of fossil fuels. In contrast to the existing research, we point to the importance of contextual factors, namely the closeness to coal-fired powerplants that moderate the effects of political variables. However, the effects are dependent on the gender, education, and socio-economic status of respondents. Our research points to the need for a balanced approach in communication and policy measures for public support for the implementation of public policies in CO2 emissions reduction.