Work

Climate policy contradictions in light of the policy paradigms - the case of the Visegrád Countries

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Observing reactions and responses to climate change worldwide, we think climate policies cannot exert their impact sufficiently. Consequently, studying the climate policy paradigms (CPPs) shaped by the dominant environmental ideas and climate objectives is essential. This paper analyses the CPPs in the Visegrad Countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia) (V4). We investigated the strategic background and implementation related to climate policies by studying the CPPs' different levels. Our research comprises two components: 1. Analysis of national climate strategies and plans (n = 9) to reveal documented policy goals. 2. In-depth interviews (n = 58) to explore the implementation of policy goals and strategic principles. According to our results, the V4's climate strategy documents (CSDs) align with global climate policy efforts and follow EU standards. However, we have found contradictions between the policy goals and their implementation. Our findings show that CSDs are only partial indicators of the CPPs, and all four countries have gaps between ideas and the realization of climate actions. One of the main reasons is that V4 prioritizes national economic interest and energy security. Consequently, the climate policy paradigm takes a back seat. The other inhibiting factors are the lack of social will and the shortcomings of climate governance.

Source: Environmental Science & Policy

DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2024.103689

Authors: András Donát Kovács, Jenő Zsolt Farkas, Gábor László Vasárus, Dániel Balla, Emőke Kiss

Institutions: ELTE Centre for Economic and Regional Studies, University of Debrecen

Language: English

Topic: Climate Change Policy and Economics

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,010