Publications

Could rising oil prices be the start of a healthy rehabilitation? Should this increase be encouraged, or even stimulated?Today energy costs nothing–for at present it is incredibly undervalued–because energy prices do not include either the depletion of oil resources or the costs of climate change.By a surprising trick of sleight-of-hand it is demonstrated that GDP can continue to rise, even as we are headed straight into a brick wall.We are living under the illusion that we have infinite and inexpensive sources of energy, an illusion that masks the coming climatic, economic and political crises.It is high time for each and every one of us to be realistic.A progressive and voluntary tax on oil would not only benefit the natural environment, it would also protect us in the face of impending economic mutations.This is a strong and iconoclastic idea, in a book that will inspire debate.

“Companies are caught in a paradox.They have never been more aware of the natural limits of our planet and of business impacts on the environment, and they are more active than ever, implementing measures that are often quite costly.And yet, despite these economic and financial constraints that I do not underestimate, I am asking them to do more, much more.Because, as this book clearly demonstrates, the time of doubt and hesitation among specialists is past.(…) The environment is not an adjustable balancing item, it is now the central factor in our economic development.Each and every one of us must assume our responsibilities, in our companies, organisations and daily lives.”

Nicolas Hulot

Now we know:human activity is disturbing the natural balances that make our planet habitable, balances that have been millions of years in the making.Today the countdown has started.For innumerable animal and plant species it is already too late.As for humans, millions of people suffer from pollution and diminishing resources. Tomorrow many more will be the victims of climate deregulation that will drive them from their lands and push them to emigrate to the North countries where another form of poverty awaits them.

Yes, we know it, but we do nothing about it, or nearly nothing.Politicians in the so-called rich countries are quarrelling over issues that will soon look ridiculously petty in the light of growing ecological dangers.

However it is perhaps not yet too late.The French presidential election campaign of 2007 is the moment to put the environment at the heart of political debate and to elect a candidate with the capacity to change the trajectory that is leading us into the abyss.

In the Spring of 2006 I asked the Environmental Outlook Committee at my foundation to work with me to draw up the outline of an environmental pact between the citizens of France and the incoming president.This action plan, at once ambitious and realistic, clearly defines political objectives and proposes concrete steps that are technically and legally feasible for application at the outset of the new presidential term, along with diplomatic initiatives that merit high priority.

The book in your hands is the result of this work.I ask you, the readers, to help me put these questions to all the presidential candidates and urge them to state their views on the measures we propose:Are they ready to sign on to the pact for the environment?If so, in what way(s)?If not, what do they propose to do?

In the 18^th century the French Enlightenment showed the rest of the world that humankind could take its destiny in hand.France can once again be in the vanguard of a change that is crucial for humanity.The time of thinking, analyses and vain haggling is over.

Let us take action together before it is too late.