Work

Actively distancing from climate radicals improves public support for moderate climate activists

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Climate activists’ tactics range from relatively moderate (e.g., authorised marches) to more radical (e.g., vandalism), but the presence of a ‘radical flank’ on wider public support for moderate ‘centre’ groups is poorly understood. In a pre-registered experiment, we used a sample of non-activist Austrian adults, representative on age, gender, and region ( N = 1,407), and found: a) the presence of a radical flank resulted in greater support for a centre activist group; but b) only when the centre group actively distanced themselves from (vs. endorsed) the radicals’ actions. Pre-registered path analysis supported a proposed moderated serial mediation model whereby centrists who actively distanced from the radicals were more supported because: a) they were seen as less radical themselves; and b) respondents identified more with them. Results suggest public support for moderate pro-climate actions can be enhanced through the presence of a radical flank, when moderates distance themselves from the radical flank.

Source: Communications Psychology

DOI: 10.1038/s44271-026-00412-z

Authors: Jana K. Köhler, Leonie Fian, Mathew P. White, Sari R. R. Nijssen, Sabine Pahl

Institutions: University of Vienna, University of Graz

Language: English

Topic: Climate Change Communication and Perception

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,090

Funder: Universität Wien