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The Green Transformation and the Costs of Market Fundamentalism

Author

Listed:
  • Krebs, Tom

    (University of Mannheim)

  • Weber, Isabella

    (University of Massachusetts Amherst)

Abstract

The structural theory of green transformation acknowledges the complexity of the transformation process and suggests a state-led approach with green industrial policy at its core. In contrast, the market-fundamentalist approach to the transformation problem relies on carbon pricing and the assumption of smooth adjustment to rising market prices. We argue that the recent energy crisis in Germany provides a test of market fundamentalism. We show that the behavior of key macroeconomic variables contradicts the market-fundamentalist theory of green transformation. We also detail how mainstream economists and the policy establishment held on to their belief in self-regulating markets despite the empirical failure of market fundamentalism, which led to policy mistakes with large economic and political costs. Policy making based on market fundamentalism caused substantial damage to Germany’s economy and helped the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) double its political support.

Suggested Citation

  • Krebs, Tom & Weber, Isabella, 2025. "The Green Transformation and the Costs of Market Fundamentalism," IZA Discussion Papers 17834, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17834
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    inflation; energy crisis; market fundamentalism; green industrial policy; green transformation; fiscal austerity; price controls.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • E12 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - General Aggregative Models - - - Keynes; Keynesian; Post-Keynesian; Modern Monetary Theory
    • E32 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Prices, Business Fluctuations, and Cycles - - - Business Fluctuations; Cycles
    • E64 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Macroeconomic Policy, Macroeconomic Aspects of Public Finance, and General Outlook - - - Incomes Policy; Price Policy
    • L50 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - General
    • L60 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - General
    • Q43 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Energy and the Macroeconomy
    • Q48 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Government Policy

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