In
fairness it is not just the Republican Party that believes in Neoliberalism,
but it seems to adhere to the most puritan form of it. The principal tenets of
Neoliberalism, free and unfettered markets and tight fiscal control are
diametrically opposed to what is needed to fight climate change and its
effects. Such policies involve massive fiscal spending and government investment
in new infrastructure and renewable energy. They also involve wide ranging
regulation of the private sector, especially restrictions on the fossil fuel
industry. Accepting the reality of man-made climate change
and the policies needed to counter it really amounts to admitting that
Neoliberalism has failed. The CLD tries to illustrate the self-reinforcing dynamic that may
have led the leaders of the Republican Party to deny climate change. Of course,
there are also other factors involved, such as party loyalty, internal pressure
to conform, cognitive dissonance and probably many more. Please
also have a look at Insight 66858 which is related to this subject.