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Current climate action trends in party‐political manifestos: A content analysis provides hints to move forward

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  • Gonçalo Rodrigues Brás
  • Ana Lillebø
  • Helena Vieira

Abstract

Party manifestos offer valuable insights into evolving climate political agendas, warranting relevant content to understand parties' priorities and approaches to climate resilience. Through a content analysis of Portuguese party manifestos from the 2019, 2022, and 2024 elections, this study aims to address key research questions regarding SDG 13 targets. The results demonstrate a positive trend within SDG 13, albeit predominantly focused on targets 13.1 and 13.2. Left‐wing parties exhibit stronger commitment compared to their right‐wing counterparts, with variations observed based on European affiliations. Across all SDG 13 targets, left‐wing party manifestos consistently covered a broader spectrum of themes compared to their right‐wing counterparts. Green parties exhibit a partial higher commitment relative to the dominant governance parties in Portugal, which is recently governed by a right‐wing coalition. Findings aim to inform and potentiate refinement of climate policy agendas, contributing to future sustainability initiatives in Portugal and beyond.

Suggested Citation

  • Gonçalo Rodrigues Brás & Ana Lillebø & Helena Vieira, 2025. "Current climate action trends in party‐political manifestos: A content analysis provides hints to move forward," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(2), pages 1948-1967, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:2:p:1948-1967
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.3203
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