Abstract
When we think of ecological transitions, we can choose to focus on only its positive long-term aspects such as protection of the environment and the wellbeing of future generations. However, this would dangerously distract us from its more problematic short-term social impacts, such as the yellow vest movement in France and the recent European farmer’s revolt. Why do often good intentioned efforts towards ecological transitions fizzle away, or worse, backfire? It is due to the lack of awareness of contradictions and paradoxes inherent to such transitions. If there is one statement that everyone agrees on, it is that public and private funds are limited. Hence, tough budgetary choices must be made between competing projects. When transitions fizzle away or backfire, it is millions, maybe even billions, that are wasted instead of being put to more fruitful use. This increases society’s reticence to accept efforts towards an ecological transition, ultimately harming both current and future outlooks of a more resilient and sustainable society. Let us consider the case of transition to alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) as an illustration of the tensions at the heart of ecological transitions.