A New Green Wave of Hope

The author contends that progressive and Green politics in Europe are currently overshadowed by right-wing narratives of fear and security. To counter this, the text suggests adopting 'hope-based' communication rooted in intrinsic values—such as empathy, care, and connection to nature—rather than rational utilitarian arguments. Drawing on brain science and political examples like the US Green New Deal, the document advocates for 'Solarpunk' visions of the future and community-building actions to create a new 'Green wave' of political agency.

• Fear-based political messaging is counterproductive for Green politics because it triggers biological responses that prioritize immediate self-interest and shut down the reflective thinking and empathy required for long-term climate change policy.
• Hope is presented as a strategic tool for resilience and political agency, distinct from mere optimism, as it focuses on navigating crises to achieve social progress and allows voters to visualize a better future.
• The document suggests that Green parties should move away from mainstream or utilitarian arguments (such as the economic benefits of migration) and instead appeal to intrinsic human values like social justice and care for others.
• The 'Green New Deal' in the US is cited as a successful example of shifting the 'Overton Window,' demonstrating how radical ideas can become mainstream through persistent discussion, which subsequently inspired the EU's own Green Deal.
• Effective political organizing for Green parties should leverage community-building and connection to nature—such as 'forest bathing' or birdwatching—to create a sense of belonging and reduce political fear.

APA

Coombes, T. (2024). A New Green Wave of Hope. Green European Journal. https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/a-new-green-wave-of-hope/

Chicago

Coombes, Thomas. A New Green Wave of Hope. Green European Journal, 2024. https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/a-new-green-wave-of-hope/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Coombes |first1=Thomas |title=A New Green Wave of Hope |publisher=Green European Journal |date=16 January 2024 |url=https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/a-new-green-wave-of-hope/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{coombes2024new, author = {Coombes, Thomas}, title = {{A New Green Wave of Hope}}, publisher = {Green European Journal}, year = {2024}, month = jan, url = {https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/a-new-green-wave-of-hope/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }