ClimateJuly 15, 2026
weathervane
/ˈwɛðərveɪn/
Definition
An indicator or event that reveals the direction of future trends, political shifts, or public sentiment.
Etymology
Derived from the combination of 'weather' and 'vane' (from the Old English 'fana,' meaning a flag or banner). It originally referred to a physical device on a building that rotates to show wind direction, and later evolved metaphorically to describe any indicator of change.
In the news
The article describes the upcoming European energy package as a weathervane because it will signal whether EU leaders intend to remain committed to their green agenda or retreat in the face of political pressure.
The Climate Consensus of 2019 Is Gone — Europe Needs a New One
Read the full article ↗Social Europe