[EGP] EGP Press Release : Grenelle of the Environment must be followed by real action

26.10.2007

Grenelle of the Environment must be followed by real action

The Spokespersons of the European Green Party today gave a mixed reaction to the conclusions of the so-called “Grenelle of the Environment”, the forum of French environmentalists, business representatives and trade unions convened by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, with the aim of reaching agreement on ways of combating climate change.”

EGP Co-Spokesperson Ulrike Lunacek said: “On the one hand, the EGP recognises as a positive development the fact that one major European country, and one that up to now was seriously lagging behind other countries in taking practical measures to tackle climate change and other forms of environmental degradation, at last appears to take these issues seriously and has convened a major conference on the topic. We give a prudent welcome to several of the measures which President Sarkozy announced at the conclusion of the “Grenelle”: prudent because these measures have not yet been transformed into concrete policy decisions. In environmental matters, actions count much more than words and the positive-sounding statements of intent must be followed by real legislative proposals. In particular, we very much hope that President Sarkozy’s government imposes a “carbon tax” on fossil fuels and other pollutants, keeps his promise to freeze the building of airports and devises a national plan to shift freight traffic from road to rail. President Sarkozy also seemed to announce a freeze on the building of new motorways but unfortunately his government have listed so many exceptions to this that most of the motorway construction or extension projects currently being planned in France will not be stopped! The intention to cut pesticide use by 50% must be accompanied by a timetable outlining how that cut will be achieved in practice.”

EGP Co-Spokesperson Philippe Lamberts continued: “One extremely disappointing aspect of the “Grenelle’s” conclusions is that many issues have simply been transferred to the EU for a decision to be taken which is a negation of responsibility by the French government. However, the most serious difficulty posed by the forum’s recommendations is related to the decision to keep nuclear power at the heart of France’s energy policy. This is an irresponsible decision as nuclear power is extremely dangerous and should not, under any circumstances, be seen as a viable way of combating climate change. We share the concern of the EGP’s member party in France, Les Verts, that all of the measures announced after the “Grenelle” may well be threatened by a conference on economic growth, held simultaneously and which has come to conclusions in direct opposition to those of the “Grenelle”: conclusions which favour unrestrained growth and consumption regardless of their negative impact on society and the environment. Unless the government recognises the contradiction inherent in its attempt to promote unrestricted growth and combat climate change, it will not be able to take the difficult decisions which the urgency of the situation requires. And if it does not take those decisions, then the “Grenelle” will have been a wasted opportunity.”

Graham Burgess

Communications Officer

European Green Party

Tel no :+32 2 626 0724

Mobile:+32 477 902 023

email:graham.burgess@europeangreens.org