In this article, we'll explain what DEI is, why was it created, how HR can be helped by DEI policies, and why DEI is ultimately a beneficial practice for all companies.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI): Why Environment Matters Too

Businesses and organizations realise that it isn’t just about the comfort of the CEO these days, but the comfort of their employees to ensure a job well done – and that’s why DEI was created.

DEI, or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, refers to the efforts made to make your workplace a safe and satisfying environment for everyone. 

In this article, we'll explain what DEI is, why was it created, how HR can be helped by DEI initiatives, and why DEI is ultimately a beneficial practice for all companies.  

DEI is short for “Diversity”, “Equity”, and “Inclusion” –  and it is a practice aimed to help people from different ethnic backgrounds to feel safe and supported in their contributions at the workplace. To break the definition of DEI down, it’s important to understand each component of DEI – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Diversity is when various backgrounds are present in a single setting – such as marginalised groups, incorporating a vast array of gender diversity, racial diversity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ages, and those with varying socioeconomic status working for the same company to embrace diversity. 

Equity refers to the effort to make sure that all programs and processes remain objective, and allow each individual the chance at finding success or receiving a promotion, scholarship, or an award. and provide equal possible outcomes for every individual. 

Inclusion is when an effort is made to make all people a part of a work team feel essential and valuable – so that everyone can feel like a compulsory piece to the puzzle of the company’s mission.

Implementing DEI into your workplace is one of the most surefire ways to ensure all employees receive fair treatment, are encouraged to participate, and to promote genuine productivity within your business – as DEI ultimately serves as an organizational framework to promote a diverse perspectives, diverse workforce, and ensure that marginalised groups with those with diverse backgrounds feel a part of an inclusive workplace.

On this edition of Cheat Sheet, what is DEI? DEI is short for diversity, equity, and inclusion. But what really is DEI and why is it necessary?

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Cheat Sheet: What is DEI?

Think of a car: just because the outer body that everyone else sees, kind of like the face of the company of the CEO, is functioning – doesn’t mean the car could run without all of the moving parts inside. Think of the engine, connectors, and other parts of the car as the employees. DEI serves to make all the employees comfortable, because just like a car – it couldn’t function with just one person.

In a similar sense to the Civil Rights Act, which worked to prohibit discrimination, DEI initiatives work to ensure that no particular group feels left out of the labor force.

👉 When it comes to implementing DEI into a workplace, HR, or Human Resources – is responsible for ensuring a smooth and efficient DEI commitments and diversity training, and it has never been more important for HR to cultivate good DEI practices than now in the midst of climate change.

The main goal of DEI is to adhere to all three of the main principles of DEI – otherwise known as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This means working to ensure that all employees have fair access to opportunities and resources in addition to making an effort to ensure that these three closely linked values work to promote diverse talent, employee well being, and promote overall inclusion efforts.

However, in order to fully understand the importance of DEI efforts, it’s essential to understand each individual component of DEI – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 

Diversity has become increasingly pivotal over the last few years, as it’s imperative in any workplace seeking global success – as the wide variety of perspectives offered by companies with diversity is indispensable.

💡 Diversity refers to implementing a DEI strategy to ensure that underrepresented groups receive equal access to various resources, such as higher education or training programs at educational institutions, and working to create an inclusive environment and embracing diversity. 

For instance, if a company is trying to sell a product or service globally – it would be hard to carefully craft that product or service with various viewpoints in mind if the staff wasn’t diverse to begin with. Some may think that the internet could serve as a quick fix here, but the truth is – nothing can replace real-life experience from real people. This is precisely what diversity amongst the work force accomplishes. 

Diversity also allows for the creation of innovative products or services that might otherwise never be created without a diverse team. Overall, diversity is imperative as it allows for a more well-rounded, suitable product that can be specifically tailored according to the appropriate audience. 

💡 Think of diversity as a musical band: in order to establish a unique sound, each band member should have a different background in music. If the guitar player is into pop and the drummer has settled roots in reggae, the band members may be able to create a new sound they wouldn’t have otherwise if all of the band members were strictly based in pop music. The same goes for diversity in the workplace. 

Equity helps to ensure that all individuals are given an equal sense of purpose in the workforce. While it’s common for people to group “equity” and “equality” under the same meaning, the two are very different.  

Equality is when each person or group is provided with the same opportunities regardless of ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic class – whereas equity is when the place in question understands that each person or ground involved enters the situation with different circumstances, and strives to provide the specific opportunities necessary for each individual based on their background.

A great example of this is when American college students apply for financial aid through FAFSA. If a future student with two working parents applies for financial aid, and meets the threshold of being able to pay the tuition – they’re unlikely to get financial aid. However, if the student comes from a single-parented household and is the first in their family to attend college – it is likely that they will receive more financial aid. This is an example of equity as it depicts allocating the resources to those who need it the most, while still providing the same end goal to both parties – a college education.

💡 Equity helps to support diversity amongst the workforce, by ensuring that all the opportunities and resources are equally divided amongst the team – which can help to boost employee engagement, encourage diverse leaders, and make all feel welcome despite a person's unique circumstances.

Have you ever felt like you were sitting through a meeting, with a million great ideas on the tip of your tongue – but no one ever let you get a word in?

This is exactly what inclusion DEI strives to avoid from happening, by promoting that all employees have valuable ideas worth listening to, despite their backgrounds in diversity and equity.  If people feel like the belong in the team they are in, they are more likely to produce high quality work. Whereas if someone does not feel included in the workplace will feel silenced, and will be less likely to share their ideas over time. 

👉 Inclusion amongst the workforce should feel very similar to how employees feel with their friends outside of work. With real friends, you don’t feel like you need to change anything about yourself: you simply show up as you are. If the same environment is created amongst the workplace, employees will feel comfortable and included in the conversation. 

HR can implement DEI in several different ways, such as via team building events to allow employees to bond with one another or to remind everyone within the workplace that they can approach HR with any potential issue with ease.

In order for the HR department of a company to build a successful DEI program, four important steps are required: to build trust, have a clear motive for implementing the DEI, getting comfortable with uncomfortable situations that DEI will strive to handle, and always be open to learning more about diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Having a DEI program means that employees and HR need to get used to uncomfortable challenges: which will include trying to understand why certain things are not viable in a work environment striving to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. A DEI program will require everyone to be committed to continuous learning in order to keep creating the inclusive and respectful environment a DEI program needs to thrive. 

They say that without trust, a relationship has nothing – and the same goes for any DEI program. If colleagues can trust their bosses and co-workers, DEI is bound to be more successful. 

👉 Therefore, trust serves as a prerequisite before implementing a DEI program. Also, a DEI program needs to serve a clear purpose – is the company trying to diversify the company for the sake of diversity, or do they genuinely want to promote the ideals of DEI? Having honest intentions is crucial to a successful DEI program. 

Has DEI helped improve fairness amongst the workforce?

DEI used to be an added luxury until recently, as more companies are striving for corporate social responsibility and sustainability. However, given DEI is a relatively new program amongst many companies – it begs the question if DEI has been successful or not. 

💡 In fact, the entire state of Texas banned DEI policies from being implemented moving forward – with lawmakers in the state citing that DEI programs sway students politically and has an effect on how people are hired for positions, such as at universities where some schools may be "peer pressured" into hiring people based off of diversity instead of their qualifications.

Evidently, DEI aims to accomplish the exact opposite of this – as DEI policies should actually encourage students, employees, and everyone affected to be themselves and to embrace the freedom and ability to think and exist independently. As a result, this should motivate students and employees alike to produce better quality work – not deter them.

While it’s hard to determine the overall success of DEI so far, big companies in tech like Netflix and Amazon have already demonstrated successful DEI programs. The two companies have different approaches to their DEI programs, but ultimately exhibit how a good DEI program can help lead a company to greater success. 

👉 For instance, Netflix prides itself on the fact that only 45% of their company is white – with the rest of the corporation consisting of Asians, Hispanics, African-Americans, and other ethnicities. Great T.V. shows and movies that are specifically tailored to certain demographics such as Crazy Rich Stupid Asians or Never Have I Ever can’t be created without a diverse team. 

DEI is related to the environment as one of the main goals of DEI is to create a safe atmosphere in the workplace, which as a result – can help boost the productivity and longevity of your employees, and help to keep your business model and practices sustainable.

Despite the fact that there isn't an instant connection between the environment and DEI, they both have one massive thing in common that’s growing in popularity amongst the business world: sustainability.  

It’s no secret these days that businesses are striving to become more sustainable for investment opportunities, build better customer relationships, and help the world to reduce emissions. Sustainability isn’t just about reducing carbon emissions anymore, but about creating a viable workforce and efficient management systems to ensure a smooth and effective business.

👉 Therefore, DEI and the many environmental measures companies take these days have begun to serve the same purpose. If the two were to work together, it could help both a company’s DEI program and their environmental goals to be more successful. 

Could implementing DEI help to improve the environment?

There are several reasons why implementing DEI policies coud help the environment, as it can help to facilitate better communication between your employees and stakeholders or by inspiring new sustainable practices in the office.

For instance, inclusivity in the DEI requires team managers to acquire the intelligence to deal with diversity issues amongst the workplace. The same goes for leaders who must engage with third-party entities such as their company’s suppliers, meaning that the same skills used to maintain DEI can be used to implement environmental goals within a company.    

Both DEI and environmental targets work towards implementing stronger and stricter corporate policies. Therefore, incorporating the environment into DEI could help a company to ultimately improve upon their environmental goals – by demanding the same stringent efforts as required by DEI. 

Diversity can help lead to creative ideas to reduce emissions, equity can help a company to recognise where they currently stand in terms of resources to reduce their emissions, and inclusion in DEI leads to more careful decision making, which is needed when implementing new environmental plans. In short, the values depicted in DEI can help influence better environmental choices within the company. 

👉 Overall business strategy is key to a successful enterprise – and investors and stakeholders evaluate fair working conditions and environmental efforts equally prior to committing to an investment. The more financial resources a company has, the more change they are able to make – meaning that making the environment to be just as important as DEI can help a company to recruit the best possible employees and resources to improve their overall business performance. 

A solid DEI program is contingent on the HR department that is implementing the DEI policies. However, it is clear that keeping the environment in mind throughout any DEI program could help accentuate the success of both a companies goals towards staff consistency, fairness, and environmental targets – ultimately creating the most sustainable work environment possible. 

They say two is better than one, and when it comes to DEI and the environment – that is most certainly the case. 

If reading this article about diversity, equity, and inclusion – otherwise known as DEI,  has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

At Greenly we can help you to assess your company’s carbon footprint, and then give you the tools you need to cut down on emissions. We offer a free demo for you to better understand our platform and all that it has to offer – including assistance with boosting supplier engagement, personalised assistance, and new ways to involve your employees.

Click here to learn more about Greenly and how we can help you reduce your carbon footprint. 

In this article, we’ll explain the controversy regarding “drill baby, drill”, why it may not be so easy, and how Trump will impact the environment.

Why Trump’s “Drill Baby, Drill” Could Face Challenges

Upon Donald Trump’s re-election as the 47th president of the United States, many are concerned regarding reproductive freedom, rights for the LGBTQ+ community, and climate change – especially in light of Trump’s previous comments to “drill baby, drill” to stimulate the U.S. economy. 

Having always been skeptical of climate change and an advocate for boosting the economy of the United States, regardless of how it may impact the environment, Trump has an infamous motto to “drill baby, drill” – but it may not be as easy for Trump to increase gas and oil production as it he may think it be.

In this article, we’ll explain the controversy regarding “drill baby, drill”, why it may not be so easy, and how Trump will impact the environment regardless of “drill baby, drill”.

“Drill Baby, Drill” is a Republican, politico motto first coined in 2008 by Micheal Steele at the Republican National Convention as an effort to incite excitement regarding the idea to avoid dependency on foreign oil and reduce energy costs.


💡NPR has previously stated how it’s important to remember that “drill baby, drill” is more of a slogan than it is a fully-fleshed out business plan – especially as, unbeknownst to most, Republicans prior to Trump have used the phrase before.

Although many like the idea of “drill baby, drill” as it could make the United States more independent in terms of energy production, several critics are concerned how the vague outline of “drill baby, drill” could impact the environment.

Milwaukee, USA: Former US President Donald Trump promised more oil extraction in America at RNC 2024 on July 19. Donald Trump also pledged to reduce tax rates, and inflation, and more relief to US citizens. Watch the full video to know more and follow Mirror Now for the latest updates.
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'Drill, Baby Drill…' Donald Trump On Oil Extraction In America at RNC 2024, | World News

Here are some of the reasons why the Republican party has continued to boast the notion of “drill baby, drill”:

Energy Independence – Republicans first and foremost value taking care of Americans, which means making resources and prices more accessible to the average U.S. citizen. As a result, Republicans place a strong emphasis on domestic gas and oil production and straying from any dependence on foreign energy sources.

Boost the Economy – As economic factors remain as one of the primary principles for Republicans, pursuing the notion to “drill baby, drill” could help to create new jobs and help generate new revenue for the U.S. government.

Decreased Dependence on Foreign Energy Sources – Mitigating the need to rely on other nations for energy sources could not only help to reduce utility costs for Americans as the energy will now be made, “in house” – but could help to keep the United States out of complicated foreign affairs that could possibly put their energy resources at risk. This has previously been shown with the European Union in the midst of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as energy bills in Europe have since skyrocketed.  

Lower Costs for the U.S. – Increasing national energy production would mean less money needed for importing energy into the country in addition to Americans having extra money in their pockets from reduced utility bills. This extra cash might incentivise them to stimulate the economy by purchasing unnecessary goods with their influx of income. 

Ultimate Disapproval of Environmental Regulations – ”Drill baby, drill” is the antithesis of implementing strong environmental regulations to curb carbon emissions and our current environmental impact. 

👉 Overall, “drill baby, drill” is a phrase used by Republicans, most infamously by Trump, to encourage excitement around the idea of increasing domestic oil and gas production in hopes of curbing inflation and boosting the economy.

Why are so many Americans in support of “drill baby, drill”?

A whopping 44% of Americans are in favor of increasing domestic oil production in hopes of reducing energy prices and decreasing dependence on foreign energy sources. 


💡 Since Trump’s re-election for president in 2024, it is more evident than before that a large majority of the country is more concerned about increasing prices, inflation, and keeping their businesses afloat as opposed to many of the issues discussed in Kamala Harris’s campaign – illustrating that many are interested in “drill baby, drill.”

“Let’s reduce our dependency on foreign sources of oil, and promote oil-and-gas production at home. Let me make it very clear: Drill, baby, drill – and drill now.” – Micheal Steele, using “drill baby, drill” for the first time at the Republican National Convention in 2008.

Here are some of the reasons why Americans are in support of “drill baby, drill”:

Reduce Grocery Prices – One of the main areas of concern for the majority of Americans as of the most recent presidential election, many in support of “drill baby, drill” believe increasing oil production can help to curb inflation and reduce living costs for the average American.

Greater Independence for the U.S. – Patriotism is a key factor for many Americans, meaning that the United States takes pride in building and executing something on its own without additional help. Many supporters of “drill baby, drill” like the idea of the United States decreasing its dependency on foreign fossil fuels.   

Decrease National Debt – In light of the most recent debt ceiling, many Americans are concerned with the country’s current debt of over $36 trillion USD – and view “drill baby, drill” as a way to avoid continued negative cash flow for the country. 

👉 Ultimately, those in support of “drill baby, drill” are concerned about both their own and the country’s current financial obstacles – and view increased oil fracking and finite energy resource projects as a way to escape fiscal peril.

Why are so many Americans against “drill baby, drill”?

Up to 53% of Americans are against oil fracking and increasing domestic oil production, as it could cause continued harm to the planet – and prevent the United States from adhering to its previous international treaties, such as the Paris Agreement, vowing to prevent global temperatures from exceeding 1.5°C.


💡 The main reasons why over half of Americans, many of them Democrats, are against “drill baby, drill” is because it could harm our air quality surrounding ecosystems, increase global temperatures and spur more frequent and intense natural disasters – putting the country and the world in a vicious cycle where the effects of climate change never end.

“What is the rest of the world going to think when we tell them to pull their fair share… if we’re just going to start drilling because it’s more convenient for us to have that oil in the short term?” – Owen Bland, a sophomore in International Relations from Connecticut.

Don't believe Big Oil-funded politicians who say that more drilling will lower prices at the pump. Our addiction to oil and gas is driving up inflation, fueling wars, exacerbating the climate crisis, and spewing poison into our air and water. Moving to renewable energy is the only way to a safer, cleaner, and more equitable future.

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Why “Drill, Baby, Drill” Won’t Lower Gas Prices

Here are some of the reasons why Americans are against “drill baby, drill”:

Increased Pollution – There is no doubt that increasing our production of domestic oil would also mean polluting our air and local water resources, which could create new issues for the country by compromising the health of Americans. 

Impact on Coastal Cities – While areas such as Florida, Louisiana, and the Carolinas are already suffering the devastating impacts of more severe hurricanes, coastal areas around the world could be impacted by “drill baby, drill” – such as Panama City Beach. This is because increasing drilling could harm the Eastern Gulf Coast by threatening local wildlife, tourism, and even Panama City’s training range for air force and military purposes. 

Skyrocketing Gas Prices – As a country where driving is more common than using public transportation, gas prices are important to Americans – but “drill baby, drill” could, contrary to what many supporters believe, ironically drive up the prices of gas across the country. 

👉 ”Drill baby, drill” could have irreversible consequences on our climate in a time period where taking proactive measures are more imperative than ever before – making “drill baby, drill” a living nightmare for environmental activists.

Why would “drill baby, drill” not be as simple as it sounds?

“Drill baby, drill” isn’t as easy as Trump has made it sound to be, as he would need the approval of producers to increase their production of crude oil and petroleum – in addition to getting companies on board with, “drill baby, drill” despite the poor market forecast. 

💡Two major components that may keep Trump from proceeding with, “drill baby, drill” include the decreased global demand for finite energy in addition Wall Street aren’t going projecting a global, low-value trade market for oil and gas.


Here’s a breakdown of why Trump won’t be able to, “drill baby, drill” as easily as he might think he’ll be able to:

As countries around the world, including the United States during Biden’s presidency, make an honest effort to transition to a clean energy economy and reduce their GHG emissions – the production of finite energy sources is becoming less valuable to other nations around the world.

Therefore, despite Trump’s desire to slash the development of energy efficiency infrastructure in place of new oil drilling projects, companies will be aware of the decrease in fiscal value of drilling, and in turn – not be willing to drill as much as Trump may want them to. 

When there is an increase in tariffs, demand goes up – especially when no longer importing cheaper goods from other countries such as China, Canada, or Mexico. If these potential American-made goods and services, such as domestically produced energy, become the most affordable and relevant option available – there will be a spike in demand, and a subsequent increase in price.

👉 Ultimately, American producers won’t want this to happen as their product or service will become inaccessible to many American consumers – meaning that Trump won’t be able to, “drill baby, drill”.

Even if there are companies willing to be on board for Trump’s, “drill baby, drill” movement – their current supply chain dynamics may not allow for a sudden increase in oil production. 

In the end, it’s important to remember that even if Trump is president – he can’t magically find all of the resources, various moving parts, and approvals necessary to “drill baby, drill” at the sudden speed he believes he can.

As companies around the world begin to shift their focus to energy efficiency and eco-friendly measures to coincide with new environmental regulations, it would be challenging for Trump to go against the grain of these new global recommendations and actions that have been rising to prominence since his last presidential term.

The table below will depict additional reasons why, “drill baby, drill” could be challenging for Trump:    

<table border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="5">
    <tr>
        <th>Challenge</th>
        <th>Description</th>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Oil Price Volatility</td>
        <td>Crude oil prices remain volatile, complicating investment decisions for new drilling projects as they depend on stable price forecasts for profitability.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Environmental Opposition</td>
        <td>Environmental regulations and public protests against fossil fuel projects create legal and social barriers, delaying projects or increasing costs.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Global Market Dynamics</td>
        <td>Global competition, particularly from OPEC+ and their control over oil supply, influences U.S. production by affecting price competitiveness.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>High Production Costs</td>
        <td>Shale oil extraction, a key U.S. method, often has higher breakeven costs compared to conventional drilling, especially when oil prices are low.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
        <td>Investor Hesitation</td>
        <td>With rising global focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, investors are increasingly cautious about financing fossil fuel projects.</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
</table>


Will Trump still impact the environment if he can’t, “drill baby, drill” ?

Even if Trump won’t be able to, “drill baby, drill” – he will still create a colossal, irreversible impact on the environment – as his presidency could result in over 4 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (GtCO2e) by 2030.

Trump’s efforts to reduce any of the environmental protocols created by the Biden administration, in addition to withdrawing from the Paris Agreement – means that the U.S. will run rampant in terms of GHG emissions.

Here are some of the ways a second Trump-term will have an effect on climate change:

Reversing the clean energy incentives in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will no longer encourage energy efficiency in households and businesses alike

Trump’s decision to reverse the Affordable Care Act will impact millions of Americans and their current healthcare plans 

Misinformation regarding climate change may spread under Trump’s presidency and prevent Americans from re-thinking how their day to day actions will impact the environment 

Overall, whether Trump is able to “drill baby, drill” or not – he will be able to reverse several of Biden’s policies previously implemented to prevent climate change from becoming a national emergency.

As Trump will indeed be successful in passing some new oil and drilling projects, which will contribute to global warming – it’s more important than ever before for businesses and households in the U.S. and beyond to take control of their actions to fight against climate change.

If reading this article on Trump’s motto regarding, “drill baby, drill” has made you interested in reducing your carbon emissions to further fight against climate change – Greenly can help you!

It can be overwhelming to figure out how to effectively reduce emissions in your business, but don’t worry – Greenly is here to help. Click here to schedule a demo to see how Greenly can help you find ways to effectively reduce emissions across your company.

Greenly can help you make an environmental change for the better, starting with a carbon footprint assessment to know how much carbon emissions your company produces.

Why is there a growing backlash against climate change policies? And what can be done to change the tide of public opinion?

Is there a growing resistance to climate change policies?

Climate change, the defining crisis of our century, presents an existential threat to our planet – as seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are paramount to ensure safety for future generations to come.

 However, we are witnessing an alarming, growing resistance to climate change policies – particularly in some of the world’s most developed and environmentally conscious nations. 

This article delves into this worrying phenomenon, exploring how countries once at the forefront of green initiatives are now witnessing a shift in public opinion. 

👉 Why is there a growing backlash against climate change policies? And what can be done to change the tide of public opinion?

Is there a growing resistance to climate change policies around the world?

There’s a concerning trend taking hold around the world: a growing tide of resistance to reduce emissions or implement climate change policies. 

Backlash to climate change policies in the U.K. & the European Union

Just earlier this year, the UK’s prime minister, Rishi Sunak, backtracked on a number of key environmental policies; in Germany plans to introduce green home-heating regulations were thrown out, and green policies were a central point of debate during the recent Dutch elections which saw the unexpected rise of the far-right Freedom Party (PVV) - the party’s platform includes plans to exit the Paris Climate Agreement and dismantle green legislation. 

Backlash to climate change policies in the U.S.

And it’s not just Europe that is experiencing a backlash against climate change policies. The environment is set to become a hot topic in the upcoming presidential election in the US too. Donald Trump has firmly positioned himself as pro-business, stating that it’s not possible to back American workers and environmental policies at the same time. He’s warned his supporters that Joe Biden and the so-called “environmental lunatics” will destroy the automobile industry with overreaching climate change policies, such as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. There’s the sense that there’s a real culture war brewing around the topic of environmentalism. 

Of course, this is highly concerning for the fight against climate change. How will the world cut carbon emissions and limit global warming to a rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius if some of the largest economies and most powerful countries are reneging on their climate commitments and green policies? 

Yet, it’s important to acknowledge that there are real issues at play here, and genuine concerns underpin this growing sentiment. If we’re to ensure that governments remain committed to climate action, and maintain support from the public, we need to understand where this resistance to climate change policies is coming from. 

👉 To learn more about why climate change is such a growing issue, and why it's important to reduce methane emissions, our use of fossil fuels, and implement energy efficiency – head over to our blog. 

What are the economic and social factors fuelling resistance?

The main economic and social reasons for a resistance to climate change policies is because decarbonising the economy is disruptive. 

💡 Transitioning to net zero means making sacrifices. Green policies can incur expensive up-front costs. These are all true - in the short term, it’s likely that the net-zero transition will bring about some level of discomfort. 

This is part of the reason for the growing backlash against climate change policies. Ordinary citizens are being asked to absorb additional costs and implement changes to their already over-stretched lives.

For some - particularly the elderly - there’s also the realisation that these measures won’t bring any benefit in their lifetimes. 

Making the situation even worse is the ongoing cost of living crisis. Recent geopolitical events such as the war in Ukraine, and the conflict taking place in Gaza are adding strain to economies. Inflation is high in many countries and the price of basic necessities is rising. It’s no wonder that citizens, who are being asked to spend more on electric cars or to fund green policies with their taxpayer money, are more reluctant to do so.

This is why it’s not necessarily the case that citizens are actively turning against climate change policies; it’s that they’re simply concerned about the financial burden or lifestyle adjustments involved.

 👉 This apprehension, however, makes them vulnerable to the manipulation of populist politicians who are able to prey on these concerns and fuel the backlash against climate change policies even further.

The current challenging economic situation is the backdrop but it’s not the whole picture. Populism has been on the rise for a while now and has been fuelling resistance to climate change policies. 

💡 In a number of rich democracies, we’re witnessing a worrying trend: there’s growing polarisation amongst citizens on a number of topics including climate change, and this gap seems to be growing. 

Do politicians recognise the divide global warming has created?

Populist politicians are seizing the opportunity that this divide has created. They’re taking genuine problems - such as the cost of living crisis as outlined in the previous section - and playing on these concerns by stoking the fire, claiming that the left “elite” are responsible for green policies and don’t care about the everyday citizen - who often rely on their car and are more concerned about being able to afford food and heating than some lofty environmental ideals. 

Another concerning aspect of the rise of populism is their indifference to experts. Recent polls show that 87% of Biden supporters believe that climate change is caused by human action, whereas only 21% of Trump supporters agreed. It’s very hard to convince someone when they refuse to listen to experts and distrust scientific evidence. 

Another trait of the populist movement is a distrust of international institutions and disdain for globalism. Climate change is a global issue that needs to be dealt with not only at a national level but at a global level too. 

Concerted international action is a big part of the puzzle, whether this is in the form of international climate commitments and targets, the cross-border sharing of green technology and environmental research, or international funding for climate change mitigation and adaptation.

This is because when countries become more insular, there is less scope for international cooperation on issues such as climate change. 

👉 To read more about how populism gains from transition issues, take a look at our article on the topic. 

Growing backlash in the world’s green economies

We’ve touched on how the growing resistance to climate change is felt most in some of the world's wealthiest and “greenest” countries. Countries like the UK, Germany, Sweden, the US, etc. Such nations have historically led environmental initiatives, but we’re starting to witness a swing in voter opinion, particularly among the older and more right-wing segments of society. 

How will Trump's presidency impact the climate crisis?

As Trump is set to return to the White House in 2025, it is probable that global emissions will be on the rise – as the Trump administration has made clear their value on power plants to help rebuild the country's economic growth, and cutting back on any efforts to develop a net-zero emissions economy or the use of clean energy technologies.

Unlike Biden, who supported a bipartisan infrastructure law in his Inflation Reduction Act, Trump does not see any value to the United States making an effort to reduce GHG emissions – as Trump will likely scale back on the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program and withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement once again.

With a leader for one of the most powerful nations in the world making his disregard for climate regulations well known, Trump may have the power to influence more people to take pride in their resistance to climate policies.

This means that global cooperation is likely to reduce amidst Trump's return to office, as developing countries often look to stronger nations such as the United States as a role model – and if the U.S. isn't making an effort to combat climate change, why should they?

👉 Ultimately, Trump returning to office will have catastrophic effects on heat trapping greenhouse gases, ozone depleting substances, and overall carbon dioxide emissions – and other countries may follow suit as the United States will now demonstrate a lack of willing to comply with global efforts to fight against climate change.

Resistance to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries

Conversely, developing countries like China and India - countries that are often viewed as major polluters - are now starting to make big strides when it comes to green technology and renewables. China for example is investing heavily in wind and solar power, recognising the importance of decarbonisation. India has also set ambitious climate targets and is aiming to triple its renewable energy production before the end of this decade. 

However, this trend sadly isn’t replicated across all developing countries. Brazil, for instance, experienced a troubling few years under the rule of Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro stripped back environmental protections, weakened green policies, and oversaw a 150% increase in deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. Thankfully, Bolsonaro’s tenure came to an end when he was replaced by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in January 2023. Lula offers renewed hope for the country's climate change policies and for the Amazon rainforest - the so-called lungs of the Earth. 

What these examples show us is how vulnerable climate change progress is to political currents. A country’s environmental priorities and climate change policies can change drastically in a matter of only a few years. 

However, we’re not completely at the mercy of changing political tides, global pressure and the electoral choices of citizens have the potential to safeguard and advance climate initiatives. These dynamics demonstrate that while political currents can challenge climate progress, informed and engaged citizenry, coupled with international collaboration, can play a pivotal role in sustaining and protecting climate change policies against shifting political winds.

👉 Find out more about the challenges of the net zero transition in China and India on our blog. 

The table below will explain some of the additional reasons why some countries may struggle with resistance to climate change policies:

<table border="1">
  <tr>
    <th>Country</th>
    <th>Reasons for Backlash</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>United States</td>
    <td>Political polarisation, economic dependency on fossil fuels in some regions, and resistance from industry lobbyists.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>China</td>
    <td>Heavy reliance on coal for energy, balancing industrial growth with environmental goals, and public concerns over costs.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>India</td>
    <td>Economic development priorities, dependency on coal, and social inequality complicating equitable policy implementation.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Canada</td>
    <td>Conflict between oil-rich provinces and federal policies, and economic reliance on resource extraction industries.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Brazil</td>
    <td>Deforestation concerns, agricultural sector resistance, and conflicting priorities between economic growth and conservation.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Australia</td>
    <td>Strong coal and mining industries, political resistance, and public skepticism about renewable energy costs.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>United Kingdom</td>
    <td>Public opposition to high costs of transitioning, economic impacts of net-zero policies, and political divisions.</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>France</td>
    <td>Public protests like the Yellow Vest movement over fuel taxes, and balancing rural and urban policy impacts.</td>
  </tr>
</table>


Strategies to overcome resistance to climate change policies

If governments and climate advocates want to effectively address the growing backlash to climate change policies the good news is that there are a number of effective strategies available. 

💡 Perhaps the most important one is public education, aimed at raising awareness of the urgency of climate change and the impacts of global warming and dispelling misconceptions. 

Here are some of the ways we can help citizens to reduce emissions and avoid exceeding a global 1.5 °C temperature increase without breaking the bank:

One common public perception for example is that going green requires significant upfront costs and that average citizens will see their bills go up - but this isn’t actually always the case. Oftentimes there are government grants and funding available to assist with the transition, or the purchase of electric vehicles may be subsidised. Another consideration is that although the upfront cost of implementing green technology might be slightly higher, the long-term savings often significantly outweigh these extra costs. If more people were aware of these factors it’s possible that they would be less opposed to climate change policies based on financial concerns, which is why public communication is so crucial. 

Leading on from the point above, governments should also look to facilitate the net zero transition for their citizens and ease the upfront cost burden by offering subsidies for renewable energy adoption, tax breaks, and financial assistance for transitioning to greener technologies. In a time of increasing financial pressure, governments need to make the transition easier for households that are already struggling. Governments should look to introduce incentives for green choices as opposed to simply imposing bans and introducing penalties. 

Government assistance & strategic planning

Gradual implementation of policies is also important, as is planning ahead. The UK Government’s recent U-turn on a number of green policies actually angered businesses around the country - they were frustrated by the lack of forward planning and confusion that the turnaround had introduced. Long-term targets and oversight of climate change policies make the transition much less painful for both businesses and consumers. It also allows concerns to be raised and for any issues to be ironed out ahead of time. 

Another imperative for governments is that they ensure their climate change policies are deliverable with tangible benefits to both society and individuals. It’s important for members of the public to see that net-zero policies are effective. One way to achieve this is to be selective in the areas that are targeted - a good strategy for example is to target the highest emission areas. Another way to highlight the benefits of the net-zero transition is to focus on what it will deliver for the economy in terms of green jobs and other economic opportunities. 

What’s clear is that these strategies require a balance between firm commitment to environmental goals and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of citizens in a rapidly changing world. Politicians seizing upon the fears of citizens and politicising the environment for their own gain are especially problematic and something that needs to be kept in check by keeping a close eye on the temperature of public opinion and addressing their concerns head on. It’s also important to hold politicians to climate commitments through international pressure and legally binding environmental targets. 

The growing resistance to climate change policies across the globe, particularly in nations that were once environmental trailblazers, reveals the complex interplay of economics, politics, and social dynamics in shaping public opinion and policy. However, this trend is not insurmountable. Through targeted public education, financial incentives, and well-planned policy implementation, there is a path forward. It requires a delicate balance of addressing immediate public concerns while maintaining a steadfast commitment to long-term environmental goals. The challenge lies not just in policy formulation but also in winning the hearts and minds of citizens, ensuring that climate action remains a shared global priority, resilient to the volatility of political change.

At Greenly we can help you to assess your company’s carbon footprint, and then give you the tools you need to cut down on emissions. Why not request a free demo with one of our experts - no obligation or commitment required. 

If reading this article has inspired you to consider your company’s own carbon footprint, Greenly can help. Learn more about Greenly’s carbon management platform here. 

After starting her career at Greenly in 2022, she started a joined PhD between the startup and CentraleSupélec to improve company sustainabilty performance ratings.

Marine Kohler

Marine has an engineering degree from the French school of CentraleSupélec and a masters in Industrial Management from DTU. After starting her career at Greenly in 2022, she started a joined PhD between the startup and CentraleSupélec to improve company sustainabilty performance ratings.

Kara joined the team at Greenly in 2023 as SEO copywriter for the UK market.

Kara Anderson - Greenly

Kara Anderson holds an undergraduate law degree and a master’s degree in international law from the University of Glasgow and the University of Aberdeen, specialising in human rights and EU law, where she developed strong research and writing skills. After working at Ernst & Young as part of their audit graduate scheme and gaining experience in analytics, she transitioned to advertising, working with major global brands like American Express and Dove.
In 2023, Kara joined Greenly as a writer, focusing on sustainability and climate-related topics for the UK market. Her work spans a wide range of environmental issues, including climate science, sustainable development, and climate policy. Collaborating with climate scientists, Kara has produced data-driven investigations into key climate challenges. With a passion for international politics, sustainable development, and climate change science, she continues to build her expertise in the field and is currently pursuing further training in journalism.

Copywriter specialising in environmental thematics

Ines Gendre is a copywriter specialising in environmental issues. She joined Greenly's team in 2022.

Ines Gendre

Ines Gendre holds a master’s degree in marketing and began her career in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry. After retraining, she joined Greenly in 2022 as a copywriter specializing in environmental issues. Ines brings her expertise to companies and individuals seeking to understand the challenges of climate change, the green transition, and their impact on society and the economy. Trained in key tools for developing climate strategies - such as Carbon Assessments, Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), and carbon offsetting - she will begin studying political science at Oxford University in England in January 2025.

After seeking opportunities to put her various creative passions to good use, she joined Greenly in mid 2022 as SEO copywriter for the U.S. blog to provide her American perspective on the climate change issues we face today.

Stephanie Safdie - Greenly

Stephanie completed a bachelor's degree in English & Multimedia in 2020 at the University of Maryland College Park. She previously worked as a social media content video creator and freelance copywriter. After seeking opportunities to put her various creative passions to good use, she joined Greenly in mid 2022 as SEO copywriter for the U.S. blog to provide her American perspective on the climate change issues we face today. 

Quentin Bourhis, Climate Expert at Greenly

Ben Field, Climate Action Strategist at Patch

Alexis Normand

Alexis is a 37 year-old graduate of HEC and Sciences-Po. After his studies, he spent 2 years working in public policy consulting. He then spent 6 years at Withings, a leading company in connected objects. While there, he continued the companies operations in Boston, USA, and created the company’s health department. After the company was bought by Nokia, he joined the startup Embleema by working through Techstars, one of the best startup incubators in the United States, where he developed a taste for entrepreneurship. His return to France was an opportunity to put all his experience at the service of the environment, during a crucial moment in the climate crisis.

Arnaud Delubac

Arnaud, 26 years old, trained as a designer and in digital communication at INSEEC before joining the Master Entrepreunariat at ESSEC-CentraleSupélec. Passionate about social media since his teenage years, he has created some of the biggest Twitter communities in France before joining the digital communication team of the Prime Minister’s office in Matignon. It was at the Secretaries of State for Digital, Mounir Mahjoubi and Cédric O, where Arnaud directly managed the team, that he developed a strong conviction for the need to use technology to bring awareness to the greatest causes of our time.

Matthieu Vegreville

Matthieu is a 28 year-old graduate engineer from Ecole Polytechnique and Télecom Paris, with a background in data science at Withings. While there, he worked on watch activity detection algorithms, and developed a health study activity so that connected objects could be used to better monitor certain pathologies. He has long been involved in data science projects with his brother, who has the same training. Faced with the urgency of the climate crisis, he decided to put his know-how at the service of the environment. 

Justine Dumont

Justine a toujours été passionnée de lecture et d’écriture. En 2019, elle parvient justement à faire de sa passion son métier, en devenant rédactrice web indépendante. Motivée par ses engagements écologiques, elle rejoint l’équipe de Greenly en 2022 afin de mettre ses compétences au service de la cause environnementale. 

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