Perceived Fairness and the Green Transition

This paper argues that an understanding of perceived fairness is pivotal for the successful implementation of environmental policy, including the European Green Deal. It describes how those at the sharp end of a green transition policy may perceive unfairness even when the policy is designed in the spirit of the “just transition”. This perceived unfairness is a threat to the EU’s efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. People who perceive unfairness are inclined to protest, often in ways that are against their own self-interest. They are also less willing to cooperate in collective action, which is central to pro-environmental policy. Despite their importance, however, perceptions of fairness are under-researched. The paper highlights research questions related to the perceived fairness of environmental policies that have received little, if any, attention, yet may be decisive for policy success. It concludes that policymakers and researchers would be well-advised to correct this oversight