Ahmet Yatğın
The world is changing rapidly. Politics has become more “extreme” than ever, perhaps since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Leaders like Javier Milei winning the Argentine elections, Giorgia Meloni becoming the Prime Minister in Italy, Donald Trump’s growing chances in the American elections, Geert Wilders getting the most votes in the Dutch elections, and leaders like Putin and Netanyahu leading their countries into war… These leaders are taking charge of countries strong enough to influence international politics. Some leaders oppose the Paris Agreement, while rumors circulate about others holding contrasting views. In these new circumstances, the question arises: How possible is it for states to contribute to a sustainable future?
Why is populism on the rise?
The common factor among these leaders is populism. The complaints of the majority of the people may not be considered in mainstream politics. Populist leaders gather votes by articulating general problems rather than providing substantial solutions. Unfortunately, despite democratic leaders’ belief in the rule of law, we see them losing their seats to authoritarian leaders. This trend is evident almost everywhere in the world. As populist and authoritarian leaders gain power, progress in the Sustainable Development Goals becomes increasingly challenging.
The inverse correlation between populism and SDG progress
Christian Kroll and Vera Zipperer published an article in 2020 titled “Sustainable Development and Populism,” examining both topics in the same context. They observed the relationship between election results in 39 countries between 2011 and 2018 and progress in the Sustainable Development Goals measured according to international standards. You can find a detailed analysis on this subject here.
What harm does populism cause to the process?
Firstly, scientific advancements are ignored, and scientists are discredited. Information is obscured, and then the foundations of laws prepared to solve problems gradually diminish, leading to either non-application, alteration, or delay of laws. Populist parties can support groups opposing environmental policies, claiming that these policies increase costs and unemployment. Even if they don’t believe in the adverse effects of climate change, they evade responsibility by stating that it falls on supranational organizations.
Can convincing leaders solve the problem?
Achieving the goal of limiting the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees by 2050 is only possible through rational outcomes. The tendency we know as “greenwashing” from institutions, i.e., painting flaws green, may also appear in solutions proposed by populist leaders. Therefore, instead of hoping for a solution by persuading authoritarian leaders, we may need to rely on the principles of the separation of powers seen in democracies: a strong opposition in legislation, competent officials in administration, and individuals prioritizing green journalism in the media can prevent the irresponsible actions of populist leaders.
What could be the solution?
Answering this question is inherently challenging. However, Dr. Klaus Jacob from the Freie University in Berlin may provide some answers:
- Special Counterposition: Civil society organizations with environmental sensitivity need to be mobilized.
- Communication of Environmental Policies: Sustainable Development Goals that emphasize social justice and the necessity of humane living should be better communicated to the public.
- Collaboration with Populist Policies: Protecting the homeland and protecting nature can be brought together; populist environmental policies can be supported.
- Competition: Competitive environments that increase efficiency among environmental policies should be created.
- Politicization: The environment, nature, and green should be re-politicized.
In addition to these suggestions, I would like to express something. I believe that a social contract formed by opinion leaders, media professionals, and public consciousness can change both our way of thinking and our problems. Perhaps, with this sense of responsibility, we can lay the foundation for an exciting future where upcoming generations read the world from a sustainable perspective. In this context, I also want to affirm that I will be bold in doing my part.
