In recent years, it seemed like environmental initiatives were making significant strides. The United States introduced its most substantial climate legislation to date, while the European Union established a pioneering carbon border tax. Meanwhile, the UK set ambitious plans to phase out sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.
Europe, in particular, witnessed remarkable advancements in renewable energy. By 2022, solar and wind energy surpassed gas generation for the first time, with EU emissions experiencing an 8% drop in 2023—the steepest decline in decades, aside from 2020.
However, as these climate commitments progressed, rising inflation led to worries about the cost of living. Populist parties skeptical of net-zero initiatives seized the moment, labeling green policies as expensive and unfavorable to everyday workers.
As 2023 transitioned to 2024, momentum for green policies started to wane. Companies began to retreat from previously set environmental goals, and Germany reduced its controversial heat pump legislation, which was a factor in the rise of the far-right AFD party’s popularity. In Brussels, plans to cut pesticide usage were abandoned, and green parties faced significant losses in the June European parliament elections.
In the UK, the Conservative government delayed the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles to 2035. Nevertheless, they still faced a significant defeat to the Labour party, which promised to restore the 2030 timeline and pursue aggressive decarbonization.
These developments indicate that while there has been pushback against green policies, there are still hopeful signs. Nevertheless, with the potential for a shift in administration in the United States under Trump, and ongoing populist sentiments in Europe, the future of environmental politics remains uncertain.