As COP30 kicks off in Brazil, the global push for climate action faces a serious challenge. Enter the “greenlash”—a growing resistance against sustainable policies. This trend has gained momentum in 2025, raising alarms among climate experts, including Nick Oldridge, co-founder of Climate Science Breakthrough. He warns that we can’t afford to delay important climate conversations.
What’s Sparking the Greenlash?
Several factors, including misinformation and greenwashing from the fossil fuel industry, are fueling this backlash. The UN’s special rapporteur on human rights and climate change has even called for stronger regulations against misleading climate narratives. Political divisions and rising economic concerns amplify the situation. Politicians, particularly from conservative parties, often frame climate initiatives as elitist schemes that hurt working-class families.
Interestingly, many economists argue that rolling back environmental protections could lead to increased long-term costs—both for the economy and public health. With climate-related disasters becoming more frequent, the stakes are high.
Greenlash in the U.S.
In the U.S., 11 anti-ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) bills have passed this year, targeting financial firms that consider these factors. Research shows that over half of corporate executives are revising their sustainability messages in light of this backlash. The number of S&P 100 companies using “ESG” in their reports plummeted from 40% in 2023 to just 6% in 2025.
Andrew Jones from The Conference Board notes that companies are shifting how they discuss these critical issues. Some major firms have even removed climate change references from their websites, focusing instead on terms like “responsible business.” This reluctance to address climate change directly can undermine public engagement.
Yet, public sentiment indicates support for corporate accountability. A recent survey reveals that 75% of respondents across ten countries believe firms should face legal consequences for environmental harm.
A Setback for Progress
Shareholder backing for environmental initiatives has reached record lows, according to data from Share Action. This retreat is particularly alarming given the escalating climate crisis, which has already resulted in devastating events like droughts and wildfires.
Moreover, a recent court ruling in the U.S. limited how companies can incorporate ESG factors into investment decisions, complicating efforts to prioritize sustainability.
Despite these setbacks, not all companies are walking away from their climate commitments. A report from Ecovadis suggests that many firms are quietly increasing sustainability investments but may keep these efforts under wraps to avoid backlash.
This trend, known as “greenhushing,” raises concerns. When companies downplay their environmental achievements, they reduce accountability and transparency, weakening the overall push for sustainability.
The Path Forward
While the U.S. will have a limited presence at COP30, many state leaders will still advocate for climate actions. As tensions rise, global leaders need to frame climate efforts as smart investments. Jacob Werksman, the EU’s chief negotiator, emphasizes that serious commitment is essential now more than ever.
Ultimately, the fear driving the greenlash is overshadowed by a more significant concern: the repercussions of inaction. Numerous studies predict that the costs of doing nothing will far exceed the expenses of transitioning to more sustainable practices. Oldridge points out the long-term economic implications, warning of potential catastrophic GDP losses if we don’t act decisively.
For a brighter future, we must challenge this backlash and commit to genuine, ambitious climate action. The conversation is urgent, and every moment counts.
For additional insights on climate misinformation and sustainability, you can explore articles from reputable sources like The Guardian and Financial Times.
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