In today's rapidly changing political landscape, the rise of populism and the urgent need for sustainability transitions have created a complex and contentious dynamic. Around the world, democracies are grappling with a growing divide between movements calling for immediate and ambitious action on climate change, and populist forces that often oppose these transitions, portraying them as threats to economic stability, national identity or personal freedoms. How this tension plays out will have significant implications not only for sustainability, but for the future of democratic governance itself.
The rise of populism and its consequences
Populism has gained considerable momentum in recent years, particularly right-wing populism, which often frames politics as a struggle between the ‘pure people’ and a ‘corrupt elite’. This ideology often portrays sustainability efforts - such as climate policies, carbon taxes or renewable energy initiatives - as elitist projects imposed on ordinary citizens without their consent. In many cases, populist leaders have successfully capitalised on economic grievances and cultural anxieties to mobilise opposition to environmental regulation, portraying it as costly, unnecessary or even undemocratic. For example, several political movements in Europe and North America have opposed green policies by arguing that they disproportionately harm rural communities, drive up energy prices, or threaten traditional industries such as coal and manufacturing. In some cases, populists have actively spread misinformation about climate change to increase scepticism about the scientific consensus. The result? A political climate in which necessary transitions to sustainability are stalled or reversed, deepening divisions within democratic societies.
Sustainability transitions as a contested political arena
Sustainability transitions require profound changes in economic structures, energy systems and social behaviour. While these changes are essential to mitigate climate change and ensure long-term environmental stability, they often generate resistance - especially when policies are perceived as abrupt, unfair, or disconnected from the realities of everyday life. This resistance creates fertile ground for populist narratives that frame green policies as an attack on ordinary people's livelihoods. Consider the Yellow Vest movement in France, which erupted in 2018 in response to an increase in fuel taxes aimed at encouraging a shift away from fossil fuels. While the policy was intended to promote sustainability, many working-class citizens saw it as an unfair burden that ignored their economic struggles. This kind of backlash highlights the importance of designing sustainability policies that are socially just and inclusive - otherwise they risk fuelling populist resentment and further polarising public discourse. Moreover, the uneven geographical distribution of sustainability transitions often exacerbates political tensions. Many green initiatives are urban-centric, focusing on high-tech solutions and infrastructure projects that benefit urban dwellers while leaving rural communities feeling overlooked or economically threatened. Populist leaders exploit these inequalities to argue that sustainability policies are biased against traditional ways of life, further eroding trust in democratic institutions.
The democratic implications of this tension
The conflict between populism and sustainability transitions is more than a political debate - it has significant implications for the health of democratic systems. By undermining trust in scientific expertise and democratic institutions, populist movements contribute to a broader erosion of democratic norms. If large segments of the population come to see sustainability policies as an imposition rather than a collective democratic choice, civic engagement may decline and anti-democratic sentiments may grow. In addition, the rise of authoritarian tendencies within populist movements poses a direct threat to democratic governance. Populist leaders often dismiss dissenting voices, weaken institutional checks and balances, and portray environmental activism as extremist or unpatriotic. In extreme cases, this can lead to the suppression of environmental movements, the dismantling of climate policies, and the concentration of power in the hands of leaders who prioritise short-term political gains over long-term sustainability.
Towards a more inclusive and democratic approach
Understanding the interplay between populism, sustainability transitions and democracy is crucial for developing strategies that promote both environmental progress and democratic resilience. To counter the divisive effects of populism, sustainability policies must be designed to be inclusive, participatory and responsive to the concerns of different social groups. One approach is to prioritise just transition policies - initiatives that ensure that workers and communities affected by sustainability transitions are supported through retraining programmes, economic incentives and inclusive decision-making processes. By addressing the socio-economic anxieties that populist movements exploit, just transitions can help build broader public support for sustainability efforts. Another key strategy is to promote democratic engagement at all levels. Participatory policy-making - where citizens have a direct say in shaping sustainability initiatives - can build trust in democratic institutions and counter populist narratives that portray environmental policies as elite-driven. Local assemblies, citizens’ juries and community dialogues can play an important role in bridging divides and fostering a sense of shared responsibility for sustainability. In addition, efforts to combat misinformation and strengthen public trust in science are essential. Clear, accessible communication about climate change policies, their benefits and trade-offs can help counter the misleading narratives promoted by populist movements. Media literacy programmes and education initiatives can also empower citizens to critically evaluate political rhetoric and make informed choices.
Conclusion
There has never been a more urgent time to understand the intersection between populism, sustainability transitions and democracy. As climate challenges intensify and political landscapes shift, the need for evidence-based, democratic and socially just approaches to sustainability becomes increasingly critical. If democracies fail to manage these tensions effectively, the consequences could be severe - not only for environmental progress, but for the very foundations of democratic governance. By fostering inclusive dialogue, designing equitable policies and building trust in democratic institutions, societies can work towards a future where sustainability and democracy reinforce rather than undermine each other. The stakes are high, but with informed engagement and thoughtful policymaking, a way forward is possible. Projects like TRANS4DEMO will actively work to address these challenges, providing research-based insights and policy recommendations to help bridge the gap between sustainability transitions and democratic resilience.