The Greenlash: Is the Momentum for Climate Action Stalling?
The push for greener policies seemed unstoppable just a short time ago. Landmark legislation like the inflation Reduction Act in the US, the EUS pioneering carbon border tax, and the UK’s ambitious plans to phase out gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2030 signaled a global commitment to tackling climate change. In Europe, renewable energy sources like solar and wind power even surpassed gas in generation for the first time in 2022, a significant milestone. EU emissions plummeted by 8 percent in 2023,marking the steepest annual drop in decades.
though,this rapid progress has encountered a significant headwind: a growing backlash against environmental regulations,frequently enough referred to as the “greenlash.” Rising inflation and cost-of-living concerns have fueled this opposition,providing fertile ground for populist and right-wing parties to exploit anxieties about the economic impact of green initiatives. These groups frequently enough frame climate policies as elitist schemes that disproportionately burden working-class families.
The shift became evident as 2023 transitioned into 2024. Businesses began scaling back their ambitious sustainability targets. Germany, for example, diluted its controversial heat pump law, a move that inadvertently boosted the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party’s poll numbers above 20 percent. The European Union shelved a plan to considerably reduce pesticide use. The june european parliament elections delivered a resounding defeat for green parties, underscoring the growing public discontent.
Even in the UK, the previous Conservative government delayed the ban on new gasoline and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035. Despite this concession, the conservatives suffered a landslide defeat in the subsequent election, replaced by the Labour Party, which has pledged to reinstate the 2030 target and maintain a strong commitment to decarbonization.This outcome highlights the complex and evolving nature of the greenlash, demonstrating that while public sentiment can shift, the underlying need for climate action remains.
The implications of this global “greenlash” extend far beyond Europe. The potential reversal of climate policies under a new US management, coupled with the persistent rise of populism across the Atlantic, casts a shadow over the future of international climate cooperation. While China continues its aggressive pursuit of green energy dominance, the challenges posed by the greenlash underscore the need for policymakers to address public concerns about the economic and social impacts of climate action while maintaining the urgency of addressing the climate crisis.
The Greenlash: A Turning Tide in the Fight Against Climate Change?
Today, we’re joined by Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert on climate policy and public opinion at the University of Oxford, to discuss the troubling rise of “greenlash” and its implications for global climate action.
[Senior Editor]: Dr. Carter, thank you so much for joining us.
Let’s dive right in. The world seemed on the cusp of a green revolution just a couple of years ago. Landmark policies like the US inflation Reduction Act and the EU’s carbon border tax signaled a global shift. But now we’re seeing a concerning trend emerge: a growing backlash against environmental regulations.What exactly is driving this “greenlash”?
[Dr.Emily Carter]: It’s true, there was a palpable sense of momentum. But amidst the progress, several factors have contributed to this shift in sentiment. Rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures have created fertile ground for anxieties. Populist and right-wing parties have skillfully exploited these concerns,framing climate policies as elitist and economically burdensome,particularly for working-class families.
[Senior Editor]: Your mention of populist parties is captivating. We’ve seen examples like the Alternative for Germany (AfD) gaining traction in part by opposing green policies. How widespread is this phenomenon?
[Dr. Emily Carter]:
It’s not confined to Germany.
We see similar trends in other parts of Europe, fueled by a combination of economic worries and a general distrust of authority. The June European Parliament elections, where green parties suffered meaningful losses, are a clear indication.
[Senior Editor]: In the UK, the Conservative Party delayed the ban on gasoline and diesel cars, a move seen by some as placating voters wary of the economic impact. What message dose that send globally?
[Dr.Emily Carter]:
It’s a complex message. While the delay suggests a short-term prioritization of voter concerns, the subsequent Conservative election defeat and the Labor Party’s reinstatement of the 2030 target highlight the evolving nature of public opinion. It underscores that the need for climate action remains a pressing concern, even amidst anxieties about economic repercussions.
[senior Editor]:
Looking ahead,what’s your biggest worry about this “greenlash”?
[Dr. Emily Carter]:
The greatest risk is procrastination. Every year we delay meaningful climate action, the impacts of climate change become more severe and irreversible. While addressing public concerns about costs and economic impacts is crucial, we can’t afford to let short-term anxieties derail long-term sustainability.
[Senior Editor]: What can policymakers do to navigate this challenge and keep the momentum for climate action alive?
[Dr. Emily Carter]:
Transparency and interaction are vital.
Policymakers need to clearly demonstrate how green policies benefit everyone, not just a select few. They must highlight the economic opportunities presented by the transition to a green economy and ensure that vulnerable communities are not disproportionately burdened. Ultimately, forging a path toward a lasting future requires a collaborative effort that addresses both environmental and social needs.
[Senior Editor]: Dr. Carter, thank you for sharing your insights on this vital issue. Let’s hope your words inspire policymakers and citizens alike to remember the urgency of taking decisive action on climate change.
