In recent years, the intersection of environmental concerns and populist political movements across Europe has garnered intense scholarly and public attention. A groundbreaking study by researcher C. Fu, published in the International Journal of Anthropology and Ethnology, meticulously unpacks this phenomenon through the lens of “environmental populism.” This exploration reveals a complex and often paradoxical fusion: the populistisation of green politics and the simultaneous greening of populist rhetoric and agendas. As environmental issues climb higher on global political agendas, understanding how populism appropriates and reshapes these concerns is becoming essential for both policymakers and civil society.
Populism, traditionally characterized by a dichotomy between “the pure people” and “the corrupt elite,” has typically been associated with right-wing nationalism or anti-establishment leftist movements. However, Fu’s analysis exposes how green politics—a sphere conventionally rooted in scientific rationalism and institutional collaboration—has increasingly been reinterpreted and mobilized by populist actors. This tactical appropriation challenges orthodox environmental activism by foregrounding emotionally charged narratives that appeal directly to “the people,” often bypassing established ecological institutions.
At the heart of this study is a detailed examination of the mechanisms through which populist movements incorporate environmental grievances to broaden their support base. These grievances may include the perceived failure of elites to safeguard natural resources, the marginalization of local communities in ecological decision-making, or the economic disruptions purportedly caused by green policies. By reframing these issues within populist frameworks, movements cultivate an identity of resistance that resonates with voters disillusioned by globalization and perceived environmental policy failures.
Conversely, the study also sheds light on how green politics itself has undergone a phase of “populistisation,” whereby traditional environmental actors adopt populist strategies to amplify their messages. This trend challenges previous perceptions of environmentalism as technocratic and elitist, instead presenting it as a vibrant force that can galvanize mass movements. The interplay between these dynamics is neither unidirectional nor uniform, varying considerably across countries and political contexts within Europe.
One particularly striking element of Fu’s research is the elaboration on “environmental populism” as a hybrid political identity. This identity synthesizes anti-elitism, protectionist economic ideas, and environmental stewardship. It dissolves binaries between left and right, forging novel alliances that complicate the political landscape. Environmental populism can be harnessed by right-wing nationalist parties emphasizing sovereignty and anti-immigrant sentiments alongside ecological preservation, or by left-wing movements prioritizing social justice and sustainable development.
The paper thoroughly investigates case studies spanning Southern and Eastern Europe, regions where economic hardships and environmental degradation converge to produce fertile ground for environmental populism. In these locales, the distrust toward supranational entities and global environmental governance frameworks is particularly pronounced. Populist leaders seize upon these sentiments, advocating for national control over resources and rejecting what they portray as distant, ineffective environmental regimes. This reflects a broader skepticism toward international institutions that are often perceived as undermining local autonomy.
Furthermore, Fu critically assesses the language and symbolism employed by environmental populists to mobilize emotional appeal. By invoking a romanticized vision of a pastoral past and linking it to national heritage, these movements paint environmental conservation as synonymous with cultural preservation. This narrative framework effectively casts environmental threats as existential challenges to collective identity, expanding the urgency beyond ecological concerns into the realm of political survival and community cohesion.
The author also delves into the challenges that environmental populism poses to mainstream environmental policy-making. The rising prominence of populist agendas complicates consensus-building efforts central to addressing complex climate issues. Populist leaders’ skepticism toward scientific expertise and international cooperation risks undermining collaborative initiatives vital for achieving ambitious environmental targets. This tension underscores the urgent need for adaptive governance models that can engage with populist sentiments without compromising scientific integrity and policy effectiveness.
Fu’s empirical findings are supported by rigorous multidisciplinary methodologies, including qualitative content analysis of political discourse, ethnographic fieldwork, and comparative policy reviews. This comprehensive approach allows for nuanced insights into the sociopolitical undercurrents shaping environmental populism. By situating environmental concerns within broader cultural and political narratives, the study transcends simplistic binaries and offers a sophisticated understanding of emergent political identities.
Importantly, the research highlights the role of media ecosystems in amplifying environmental populist messages. The proliferation of digital platforms and social media channels facilitates rapid dissemination of emotionally charged, often polarizing content that can bypass traditional fact-checking mechanisms. This media dynamic not only reinforces populist narratives but also creates echo chambers that deepen political polarization on environmental issues, complicating public discourse and policy consensus.
The study’s implications extend beyond academia into the realm of practical politics and activism. For policymakers, grappling with the populistisation of green politics necessitates innovative engagement strategies that reconcile grassroots environmental concerns with evidence-based policy frameworks. It also invites environmental organizations to reassess communication tactics, embracing inclusivity and emotional resonance without sacrificing scientific rigor.
Moreover, Fu’s work prompts reflection on the fluidity and adaptability of political ideologies in response to emergent global challenges. Environmental populism exemplifies how contemporary political actors navigate and negotiate between traditional ideological boundaries, leveraging the universal salience of environmental issues. This fluidity can offer both opportunities and risks: on one hand, expanded political participation and innovation; on the other, the potential for co-optation and fragmentation of environmental agendas.
As climate change and environmental degradation intensify, the electoral appeal of populist movements engaging with these themes will likely grow. Fu’s analysis thus serves as a crucial resource for forecasting political trends and devising responsive strategies. It underscores the need for vigilance against simplistic solutions and encourages nuanced, context-sensitive approaches to environmental governance in the era of populism.
Ultimately, this pioneering examination of environmental populism invites a rethinking of the boundaries between ecology and politics. It challenges environmentalists, populists, and the public alike to reconsider assumptions about political alliances and strategies in the face of unprecedented planetary crises. By illuminating the complex entanglements between green politics and populist identities, Fu’s study opens pathways for more inclusive, dynamic, and effective environmental mobilization across Europe and beyond.
Subject of Research:
The rise and interaction of populism and green politics in Europe, focusing on the phenomenon of environmental populism.
Article Title:
The populistisation of green politics and the greening of populism: an examination of environmental populism in Europe.
Article References:
Fu, C. The populistisation of green politics and the greening of populism: an examination of environmental populism in Europe. Int. j. anthropol. ethnol. 9, 1 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41257-024-00124-4
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: 10.1186/s41257-024-00124-4 (03 January 2025)
