I think a reason is it's a collective action problem. If a European country, or EU as a whole, produces more arms, that gives them a greater ability to resist invasion. But if a country, or EU reduces emissions, that means nothing and is even damaging, unless all other major emitters do the same.
All the research shows small environmental improvements are still helpful, and i simply do not believe that the reason European leaders are not pushing for the environment is because of collective action problems. They simply do not care or dont want to deal with the political consequences.
I think it's a reason, not the reason. One other reason is that, for example, military threats exist within a familiar explanatory and practical framework that the state has hundreds of years of preparation for. And another reason is ideology, as you say.
You misunderstand me, the point i am making here is not about environment vs defence and what is more worthy and why they work differently (i am aware) , but about neoliberal economics
I think it's fascinating how some things trigger a pain response among the state and the ruling class and some do not. We've seen them throw out political orthodoxy, including neoliberalism, three times, in 2008, 2015 and 2025, and yet never for the climate crisis.
My problem is not with the arms funding, don't get me wrong. Important to take action on this.
But with their neoliberal economic dogma in the first place, and then the fact it can be selectively pushed to the side for some but not for other emergencies
My partner has been studying international climate politics for 30 years and I’m pretty sure this is a thing that comes up a lot. And you’re right it’s not really a collective action problem
There's a fundamental mismatch between the terms we provide to politicians to be "in power" & the duration of time it takes for there to be a majority view on the nature/extent and likely impact of an emerging risk. And then the length of time and cost to mitigate that risk. Short term issues easier
The budget isn't the main constraint on green investment. German conservatives had a nervous breakdown over a heat pump law that didn't go over any fiscal rule.
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Bit like how we let poverty just fester too.
When they are, everyone will be scrambling, but it will be too late.
But with their neoliberal economic dogma in the first place, and then the fact it can be selectively pushed to the side for some but not for other emergencies