Once a Fossil Fuel Critic, Musk Now Questions the Urgency of Climate Action

Elon Musk’s views on climate change have undergone a significant transformation, evolving from strong advocacy against fossil fuels to a more sceptical stance on the climate crisis. His earlier calls for a “popular uprising” against fossil fuel companies have now been replaced by a more cautious approach, influenced in part by his alignment with right-wing politics and associations with figures like Donald Trump.

Musk, who once emphasised the urgent need to combat global warming, had made plans for a more affordable Tesla car to help tackle the climate crisis. However, recent reports reveal that during discussions earlier this year in Palo Alto, California, Musk rejected the idea, opting instead to focus on high-end Tesla models and a deal worth billions to purchase computer chips for improving the company’s luxury vehicles.

This shift in Musk’s approach reflects his growing political conservatism and his increasing influence within right-wing circles. His previous statements in 2016, urging action against fossil fuels and warning of irreversible climate damage, seem to be in stark contrast with his current rhetoric.

Musk’s focus has moved away from immediate climate action. In an August live stream with Trump, Musk stated that there was no rush to address climate change and emphasised the need for efforts that do not “demonise people” involved. He later tweeted in 2023 that “global warming risk is overblown in the short term, but significant in the long term,” a sentiment that has resonated with some of his allies in the right-wing media sphere.

Over time, Musk has embraced technological solutions like nuclear energy and carbon capture rather than viewing climate change as an existential emergency. Now, he prioritises other issues such as AI, robotics, population decline, and the exploration of Mars, which he sees as more pressing for humanity’s survival.

Tesla executives have reportedly left the company due to Musk’s changing views, which coincide with political shifts in Washington. Musk has also publicly stated that the electric vehicle tax credit, which has benefitted Tesla, should be removed, potentially in line with Trump’s stance on the issue.

Musk’s political evolution can be traced back to multiple factors, including his frustration with the Biden administration and his reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic, which prompted him to move his operations out of California. His daughter’s gender transition also played a role in his distancing from Democratic views, which he increasingly saw as conspiratorial.

The shift in Musk’s outlook became clearer when he began interacting with figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Palantir’s Joe Lonsdale, both of whom are known for their scepticism about climate change predictions. Musk has since become a prominent voice in right-wing circles, challenging mainstream climate science.

The billionaire’s views have become further entangled with his broader political beliefs, culminating in his recent involvement with Vivek Ramaswamy in advocating for drastic cuts to the federal government’s scope and power. Musk’s latest actions, including his reposting of names and details of low-profile climate officials, have sparked controversy, highlighting his growing influence in challenging the prevailing climate agenda.