A New Climate Conspiracy Theory Claims Traffic Control Is an Attack on Freedom

A concept to reduce city traffic called the “15-minute city” is being accused by far-right critics as a Communist-style attack on personal freedoms. This urban planning principle aims to locate resources such as grocery stores, schools, and hospitals within walking distance of homes to lower carbon emissions. Opponents, including former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have attacked each other’s policies that mirror the 15-minute city concept, twisting it into a narrative of oppressive government control.

Misinformation spread on far-right media platforms suggests that efforts to reduce city traffic equate to surveillance and restriction of movement, likening it to “climate lockdowns” and the “Great Reset.”

Despite the conspiracy theories, the plan is designed to reduce transit time and greenhouse gas emissions, improving urban life and combatting climate change.