ClimateJuly 15, 2026
greenlash
/ˈɡriːn.læʃ/
Definition
A political or public backlash against environmental policies, driven by the perception that such measures impose unfair economic or social costs.
Etymology
The word is a portmanteau of 'green' and 'backlash,' modeled after terms like 'tax-backlash.' It emerged in modern English to describe resistance to environmental regulations.
In the news
In this article, 'greenlash' refers to the fear among European policymakers that an overly aggressive environmental agenda will trigger a negative public response. It highlights the political risk leaders face when pursuing climate action in a polarized climate.
The Climate Consensus of 2019 Is Gone — Europe Needs a New One
Read the full article ↗Social Europe