Greenlash
Greenlash is a backlash against the environmental movement and green politics. It often shows up as opposition to policies that people feel will raise their costs or limit their choices. The term was popularised by Nathalie Tocci.
Key moments
- March 2023: In the Netherlands, the Farmer–Citizen Movement became the largest party in provincial elections by campaigning against new nitrogen emission limits.
- May 2023: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis banned government officials from promoting environmental, social, and governance goals.
- May 2023: French President Emmanuel Macron and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo called for a temporary pause on new European green initiatives.
- August 2023: The expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone led to vandalism.
- February 2024: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would shelve a plan to cut pesticide use by half by 2030.
- April 2024: EU official Maroš Šefčovič said rising farmer protests and populism show growing caution about climate policies.
- 2024: The Financial Times named greenlash among its Year in a Word.
What kinds of policies trigger greenlash
- Policies that raise the cost of living.
- Bans on carbon-heavy technologies that limit consumer choice.
- Policies that force the greening of existing assets.
- Rules that directly affect special interest groups, like farmers.
Why it happens
- Conspiracy theories and distrust of institutions can fuel it.
- Industrial farming’s strong presence in policymaking can slow green changes.
- Far-right parties in Europe have shifted rhetoric, arguing that climate policies hurt people or industry rather than denying climate change outright.
What experts suggest to respond
- Emphasise local, immediate, and long-term benefits of sustainable policies to show clear value for communities.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 18:31 (CET).