Framing Environmental Justice: A Comparative Analysis of Political Narratives in the Netherlands and Germany

Addressing the challenges of the Anthropocene, an epoch marked by humanity's significant impact on the planet, requires understanding the narratives shaping public perceptions of environmental justice. Despite the central role of political discourse in framing these issues, little research has been done on how political parties construct narratives around ecological justice and sustainability. This research is especially significant given the increasing urgency of climate-related crises. Analysing how political actors frame responsibility, justice, and action regarding environmental issues can provide valuable insights for society in confronting these challenges.

This paper offers a cross-national comparative analysis of how political parties in the Netherlands and Germany, two major trade countries within the European Union, construct and communicate narratives around environmental justice. While both countries operate within the EU's climate policies framework, they maintain distinct national narratives regarding ecological justice. This study employs social constructivism as a critical framework, illustrating how it reveals the underlying social and political dynamics that shape sustainability discourse. The understanding of sustainability follows the conventional interpretation of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Focusing on the 2021 Bundestag elections in Germany and the 2024 Dutch national elections, this research uncovers similarities and differences in how political actors frame environmental challenges. The hypothesis suggests that the rise of right-wing actors shapes narratives that downplay or deny the existence of climate change. Still, their influence on EU and national policies remains minimal. By understanding the narratives of Germany and the Netherlands, we gain insights into Europe as a global actor in the shifting world order. This paper ultimately contributes to a deeper comprehension of the political dynamics that shape the Anthropocene's environmental justice agenda.