Investigating the Phenomenon of “Greenlash” in Europe. Are the EU’s Green Policies Moving too Fast for its Citizens?

Abstract

It is a known fact that the European Union's environmental policies are ambitious and geared towards addressing pressing issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and reducing pollution. These policies aim to transition towards a more sustainable and resilient economy, enabling a green transition across various sectors. The EU has set ambitious targets, including the goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050, which entails a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. However, the fast pace of implementation has often given rise to “Greenlash”. "Greenlash" refers to a phenomenon where there is public resistance, opposition, or backlash against environmental or "green" initiatives, policies, or practices. This resistance can come from various sectors, including individuals, communities, industries, or political entities. Greenlash may occur for several reasons. Some individuals or groups may be concerned about the economic impact of environmental policies, fearing job losses or increased costs. Others may resist due to ideological differences or skepticism about the scientific basis for certain environmental measures. Additionally, there could be concerns about the potential social impacts of these policies, such as unequal distribution of the burden or disruption to traditional ways of life. A good example of greenlash is represented by the protests of european farmers in the beginning of 2024, who are pushing back against the ever more stringent EU policies which are interfering with their occupation. The govering bodies of the European Union have already been forced to backtrack on some of the measures they were planning to implement. The energy sector is a huge contributor to greenhouse gasses and one of the main fouses of the EU’s green policies. Energy producers and consumers alike are constantly forced to adapt to ever changing regulations, which often come with financial burdens for the average household. And as the regulations become become more stringent, the greenlash becomes more evident. The aim of this paper is to investigate whether or not european citizens and businesses are aligned with the goals and pace of the EU's green policies, considering the evident challenges and greenlash phenomena. One key aspect of this study is understanding how European citizens perceive the environmental measures imposed by the EU and whether these policies resonate with their values and priorities. Additionally, we will delve into the perspectives of businesses, particularly in the energy sector, to assess their capacity to adapt to evolving regulations and the associated economic implications. To achieve these objectives, the paper will employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods and an analysis of public discourse. We will also explore case studies to provide specific examples of the impact of green policies on both individuals and businesses.