The term eco-nationalism is relatively new it blends nationalist feelings with environmental concerns and advances the notion that a country’s landscapes and natural resources are essential to its identity and history and these should therefore be protected. The key aspects of this movement are self sufficiency, protecting natural resources for future generations, and opposing global environmental governance which is seen as threatening to national sovereignty. As climate change and environmental degradation become pressing issues, eco-nationalism provides a unique lens through which to examine contemporary politics. Eco-nationalism within itself holds a protectionist approach to safeguard economy by emphasising on protection of domestic and local industries rather than global markets also it holds skepticism towards international environmental agreements and organisations.
Nationalism has always had a significant influence on how politics are shaped. Since its rise to prominence in the late 20th century, environmentalism has been linked to international collaboration and cross-border movements. Nonetheless, early conservation initiatives where national pride in natural landscapes played a critical role are where these two ideologies came together. For example, national pride in the nation’s distinctive natural beauty led to the creation of national parks in the United States. With major occasions like the founding of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the first Earth Day in 1970, environmental movements became increasingly globalised in the middle of the 20th century. Nonetheless, nationalistic aspects persisted, as nations such as China and the Soviet Union promoted environmental policies linked to their own development objectives.
International cooperation grew in the late 20th and early 21st centuries as a result of the emergence of globalisation and transnational environmental issues like climate change. But during this time, eco-nationalism also began to take shape as a response to perceived threats to national identity and sovereignty from global environmental governance.
Eco-nationalism in practice: comparative case studies of Hungary, India and Norway:
The protection of a country’s natural resources and environment as a crucial part of its identity and sovereignty is stressed by a number of movements, policies, and ideologies that highlight the intersection of environmentalism and nationalism in modern politics. This intersection is frequently impacted by larger political, economic, and cultural contexts and can take many forms, such as grassroots activism or policy-making. We can see Scandinavian nations like Iceland, whose widespread use of geothermal energy is a source of pride for the country. The nation’s emphasis on renewable energy sources not only solves environmental issues but also strengthens the idea of its exclusivity and independence.
To further clarify this ideology we can delve into the case studies of various countries such as India, Hungary and Norway and see that how the practices of eco-nationalism have impacted their policies and global position.
Eco-nationalism has played a significant role in the Fidesz party’s policies in Hungary. Hungary’s natural resource protection has been highlighted by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as a pivotal component of national sovereignty. In order to guarantee that the exploitation of natural resources benefits the national economy, this has included steps to control multinational corporations operating in Hungary, such as enforcing regulations and giving preference to domestic businesses. Furthermore, in an effort provided to facilitate Hungarian farmers and alleviate the nation’s dependency on imported food items, incentives and subsidies have been local agriculture.
Through the use of nationalistic rhetoric, the Hungarian government has positioned environmental protection as a patriotic obligation. Public campaigns that emphasise the cultural and historical significance of Hungary’s landscapes and natural heritage and encourage people to get involved in conservation efforts as a show of pride in their country have demonstrated this approach. Moreover, by making investments in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, the government has pursued initiatives to increase energy independence, presenting these actions as both environmentally responsible and essential for maintaining national security. The Fidesz party has successfully attained public support for its policies by associating environmentalism with nationalism, thereby strengthening the notion that protecting Hungary’s natural resources is essential to maintaining the country’s sovereignty and identity.
India has taken up the initiative of eco-nationalism not just to safeguard its National resources but also to maintain a pivotal position in global arena showcasing efforts in introducing renewable energy programs which has increased its economic stability by creating centres for investment. India offers a singular example of how eco-nationalism has spread in various forms. The government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has supported programs such as the International Solar Alliance, highlighting India’s leadership in renewable energy and its dedication to global climate change mitigation. The initiative seeks to position India as a leader in renewable energy innovation, encourage cooperation among member nations, and mobilise investment in solar energy.
Furthermore, a lot of emphasis is placed on customs and tribal knowledge systems, presenting them as particularly Indian responses to environmental problems. This involves advocating for organic farming, revitalising conventional techniques for conserving water, such as step-wells, and endorsing the utilisation of natural pesticides and fertilisers. Initiatives like the Clean India Mission (Swachh Bharat Abhiyan) and the Clean Ganga Mission (Namami Gange combine contemporary environmental tactics with respect for culture and history to inspire patriotism and garner public support.
Norway’s eco-nationalism is based on its status as a pioneering country in sustainability and environmental preservation. The nation has made investments in sustainable practices and renewable energy by leveraging its wealth from oil. Strong environmental leadership and a dedication to protecting natural resources for future generations are hallmarks of Norwegian eco-nationalism, which boosts pride in the nation’s environmental leadership. Through eco-nationalism Norway has done adoption of electric vehicles which has increased significantly as a result of Norway’s extensive policies to reduce carbon emissions, which include carbon taxes and incentives for electric vehicles. Along with protecting biodiversity, the nation is dedicated to maintaining its immaculate natural environments, as evidenced by the sizeable national parks and marine protected areas.
Benefits of eco-nationalism:
Eco-nationalism is a dynamic phenomenon which serves best for the domestic interests of the states some its benefits keeping in view the context of case studies are listed as follows:
- Eco-nationalism can encourage public support and participation in environmental initiatives by presenting environmental protection as a national duty.
- Adapting creative policies to their unique cultural and environmental contexts can help countries create environmentally
- By encouraging local solutions and lowering reliance on international environmental accords, eco-nationalism can increase national sovereignty.
Challenges to eco-nationalism:
Where eco-nationalism is conserving natural resources of states and economy through protectionist approach it also has some setbacks on international level which makes the implementation of it as a unitary method for conservation of environmental resources complex. These drawbacks are enlisted as follows:
- When environmental protection is linked to constrained national identity definitions, eco-nationalism can occasionally result in exclusionary practices that may marginalise particular groups.
- Conflict with Global Cooperation Since environmental issues frequently call for coordinated global efforts, international cooperation on these matters may be hampered by the emphasis on national sovereignty.
- Eco-nationalist policies may be at odds with business objectives, especially in nations where resource extraction is a major industry.
Future trends for eco-nationalism:
Through the advancement of renewable energy innovations and the facilitation of local agricultural markets by digital platforms, the growing use of technology is substantially contributing to the promotion of eco-nationalism. Youth involvement is important because, thanks to social media and international climate activism, younger generations are becoming more and more involved in eco-nationalist movements. This generation is technologically savvy and uses the internet to organise and promote environmentally friendly behaviour. In combination with the efforts to protect the environment, there is a cultural revolution that involves the revival of customs and cultural narratives. A comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship is fostered by this fusion of modern technology, youthful energy, and cultural heritage, which highlights the dynamic nature of contemporary eco-nationalism.
Conclusion:
A growing political force in modern times, eco-nationalism is a reflection of the intricate relationship between nationalist and environmental ideologies. Although there are potential advantages such as enhanced public involvement and innovative policy, there are also obstacles that need to be carefully addressed. In a globalised world, creating balanced approaches to environmental protection requires an understanding of the dynamics of eco-nationalism. The ability of nations to strike a balance between their environmental objectives, the needs of a global economy, and the requirement for international cooperation will probably determine the future of eco-nationalism.
