Europe’s “Greenlash”: A Growing Rebellion Against Net Zero Policies
ED: From my inbox, summery of a Spectator article
Slowly but surely, those who warned about the pitfalls of renewable energy are inching toward an “I told you so” moment. Across Europe, even the younger generation is beginning to reject the stringent Net Zero policies and their associated regulations. This phenomenon, described as a “Greenlash” – a backlash against green energy – has sent shockwaves through traditional power structures.
One might expect that Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen would take note of this emerging trend. However, he remains steadfast in his approach. As European nations grapple with the reality of pursuing net zero without comprehensive planning, they are discovering the substantial economic and social costs involved. This uncritical chase of net zero goals has resulted in significant pushback.
The Australian Labor Party has been vocally dismissive of any suggestions involving nuclear energy, lashing out on social media against proponents. This defensive stance suggests a growing concern within the party about the viability of their current energy policies.
A report from Europe highlights the changing tides: even prominent climate activists are shifting their focus. Greta Thunberg, once synonymous with climate activism, recently participated in a protest in Berlin against the war in Gaza, symbolically wrapped in a keffiyeh, rather than advocating against climate injustice. This shift indicates a waning enthusiasm for climate policies among even the most dedicated activists.
The German government’s decision to lower the voting age, aiming to capture the youth ‘green’ vote, also backfired. Instead of a surge in support for green policies, there has been a noticeable shift among young voters towards the right, further highlighting the growing disenchantment with current climate strategies.
As Europe navigates these challenges, it becomes clear that a reassessment of green energy policies is underway. The unanticipated economic and social repercussions are prompting both citizens and policymakers to reconsider the path to a sustainable future.
