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LeMonde
11-06-2025
- Politics
- LeMonde
Macron's outburst on environmental issues
For four days, President Emmanuel Macron sought to restore his environmental credentials, launching a full-scale counteroffensive on diplomatic, media and political fronts. ON Tuesday, June 10, he vigorously defended the United Nations Ocean Conference, which France co-chaired in Nice with Costa Rica. On Saturday, in an interview with the regional daily press, he publicly rebuked both the government and Parliament, slamming the "enormous mistake" of those seeking to undermine "the priority given to climate in public debate," as key measures of the environmental transition are under attack. Since François Bayrou's appointment as prime minister, the president's tone had never been so forceful. It is in proportion to the possibility that Macron's initial ambitions might be reduced to almost nothing. Amid the many difficulties he faced toward the end of his term, Macron's predecessor, Socialist François Hollande, could at least point to the success of the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21). By contrast, what we are witnessing today is the dismantling of the 2021 Climate and Resilience Law, with the rollback of the zero net land artificialization target, the elimination of low-emission zones and the loosening of environmental standards. Similarly, the temporary reintroduction of a neonicotinoid pesticide banned since 2020 and the early June announcement of the provisional suspension of one of the government's main programs to support household energy renovation (MaPrimeRénov') on the grounds that it allegedly attracted too much fraud, have fueled the impression of a major step backward. Avoiding a criminal waste of time Macron's determination to defend a path that runs counter to the climate skepticism of the far right and at odds with the anti-growth movement that is flourishing among some on the left is unmistakable. Neither accusations of never doing enough, nor the strong public backlash against the proposed carbon tax at the start of his first term (which led to the Yellow Vest protests), nor the current setbacks, seemed to have deterred him from pursuing what he called, in September 2023, "Ecologie à la française" or French-style ecology: science-driven, compatible with economic growth, innovative, competitive, able to boost the country's energy sovereignty and leaving no one behind. The sense of failure is no less real, however, as the promise, induced by environmental planning, to bring about a genuine change in lifestyles over the long term and with minimal social upheaval has not been kept. Budget reversals, the loss of an absolute majority in the Assemblée Nationale after his reelection in 2022 and the rise of the far right across France and Europe, amid farmers' protests and backlash against regulations, have derailed the ambitions set at the start of Macron's second five-year term (he can't run a third time). The president's outburst was not just an attempt to salvage his record two years before the end of his term. It is also a warning for the future. The many would-be successors – both on the right and among Macronists – who are unraveling his policies or letting them slide must pull themselves together, as threats to food, health, biodiversity, water, and the climate are accelerating and multiplying. Assuming they do wake up, the main challenge will not be to announce their intentions, but to build a consensus around a method to avoid backtracking and wasting time, which would be criminal. At this point, this is wishful thinking, given how divided and short-sighted France's political landscape appears to be.
LeMonde
10-06-2025
- Politics
- LeMonde
UN Ocean Conference: Macron shows enthusiasm as NGOs remain cautious
French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off the United Nations Ocean Conference with great fanfare on Monday, June 9. "Today, we are celebrating a victory," he said in his opening remarks. Firstly, despite the fragmented international context, he managed to rally support: Around 60 heads of state and government made the trip to Nice, far more than at the second edition of this UN summit in 2022. The event marks a major milestone for the Elysée. It is the largest such gathering in France since the 2015 Paris Climate Conference (COP21). Addressing the roughly 100 international delegations in attendance, the president, who is trying to position himself as one of the "champions" of ocean protection, insisted: "Our effort is essential." While, unlike a COP, the United Nations Ocean Conference is not a forum for negotiating a formal agreement, the Elysée hoped that many commitments would be made by participating states throughout the week. It also expected that the discussions in Nice would help move forward some ongoing international negotiations, such as those concerning plastic pollution.
RTÉ News
08-06-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Taoiseach to attend UN Ocean Conference in Nice
Taoiseach Micheál Martin will today travel to Nice to attend a United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which is taking place in the French city until Friday. Ten years on from the Paris Agreement, a landmark deal at COP21 that set targets to limit global warming, the world's oceans will take centre stage at UNOC3, which is being co-hosted by France and Costa Rica. This week's event follows previous UN ocean conferences in New York in 2017 and Lisbon in 2022. World leaders, UN bodies, climate activists, scientists, businesses and communities that rely on maritime environments to make their living are all taking part in what is being viewed as a crucial conference on the future of the world's oceans. Many marine scientists are warning that the world's oceans are nearing a point of no return. Decades of plastic pollution, over-fishing, seabed mining, coral bleaching and climate change have threatened the existence of many marine species and the livelihoods of coastal communities, particularly in the Global South. Speaking ahead of the conference, Mr Martin said: "As an island nation, Ireland is keenly aware of the importance of the marine environment, and the other roles our waters play, including as a vital trade route. "I look forward to joining with fellow world leaders over the coming days to discuss and collaborate on ways to secure the future of our oceans and seas." This evening, the Taoiseach will attend the inauguration of the conference's 'Green Zone', hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. More than 60 other world leaders will be in attendance. Tomorrow, the Taoiseach will take part in an event to launch the European Ocean Pact, jointly hosted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Mr Macron. The pact, adopted by the Commission last week, ties together a number of EU ocean policies under one framework and aims to help member states protect and restore maritime habitants. It also proposes a new European law on the oceans by 2027 to include legislation on combatting illegal fishing. Later tomorrow, Mr Martin will deliver a statement on behalf of Ireland at the conference's main plenary session. The world's oceans produce half of all the globe's oxygen and that more than three billion people rely on marine biodiversity to survive. According to the UN, up to 12 million metric tonnes of plastics enter the ocean each year. That is the equivalent of a bin truck every minute. Over 60% of marine ecosystems are already degraded and fishing stocks have plummeted since the 1970s. Global fish stocks that are classified within safe biological limits have plunged from 90% in the 1970s to just over 62% in 2021. Rising sea temperatures also pose a danger for maritime habitats. In April, global sea temperatures reached their second-highest levels ever. While some of the worst cases of coral bleaching are currently affecting marine habitats in the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific. Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, who will act as Secretary-General of the conference has said that the world's oceans are facing "an unprecedent crisis". To date, there have been a number of non-binding declarations made by governments to protect ocean life but there is no single legal agreement to tie them all together. A treaty on limiting marine plastic pollution is still in progress while a World Trade Organization agreement to preserve fish stocks has not yet been fully implemented. In 2023, 21 countries signed up to the so-called High Seas Treaty to protect marine life in international waters, with France and Spain the only two European signatories. Two years later, the treaty has been ratified by fewer than 30 countries, short of the 60 countries needed to implement it at UN level. Representatives of national delegations who have already backed the treaty hope to get enough new signatories in Nice for it to enter into force. Over the next five days in Nice, hundreds of new pledges are expected from governments. Conference organisers hope that by Friday, countries will adopt the Nice Ocean Action Plan - a political declaration setting out the main pledges to accelerate action on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans. While in Nice, Mr Martin will also take part in a number of bilateral meetings, including with the King of Jordan, Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley and former US Secretary of State John Kerry who also held a key climate portfolio during the Biden administration.
India Gazette
05-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Indian Embassy in Kathmandu celebrates World Environment Day by planting saplings
Kathmandu [Nepal], June 5 (ANI): The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Thursday celebrated World Environment Day by planting saplings in its premises. In series of tweets, the Embassy of India said, 'The Embassy of India, Kathmandu @IndiaInNepal celebrated #WorldEnvironmentDay 2025 with the theme 'Beat Plastic Pollution'. Hon'ble Minister of Forest & Environment of , Mr. Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Ambassador @IndiaInNepal, and students of Kendriya Vidyalaya Kathmandu planted saplings at the Embassy premises. Officials @IndiaInNepal and members of the Indian diaspora also took part.' India has always had a deep respect for nature. An official release, quoting the Atharva Veda, said, 'The Earth is our mother and we are her children.' 'Over the last 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this ancient wisdom has been turned into strong and practical action. India has moved from being a follower in global climate efforts to becoming a leader. Through clear policies, public participation, and a strong push for clean energy and sustainability, the government is working to build a greener, healthier and more secure future for everyone.' At COP21 (Conference of Parties 21) in Paris, India pledged to achieve 40 per cent of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030; a goal met ahead of time in November 2021. At COP26 in Glasgow, PM Modi launched LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), encouraging sustainable habits and promoting mindful consumption over wasteful use. India also introduced the Panchamrit, five key targets for climate action. At COP29 in Baku (Nov 2024), India showcased its progress in climate adaptation and clean energy through global partnerships. Sessions focused on disaster-resilient infrastructure, industrial decarbonization, solar energy, and women-led climate action, in collaboration with Sweden, CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure), ISA (International Solar Alliance) and NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). (ANI)
India Gazette
01-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
France expresses strong support for India against terrorism, trade ties deepen: Piyush Goyal
By Shailesh Yadav Paris [France], June 1 (ANI): Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal expressed India's gratitude to France for its unwavering support and solidarity following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, emphasising the shared commitment between both nations in maintaining zero tolerance against terrorism. Goyal is on his three-day official visit to Paris as part of his ongoing visit to France and Italy from 1-5 June 2025. Goyal highlighted the strong understanding between India and France on counter-terrorism efforts. 'The French people and government also stand for zero tolerance against terrorism, just like India,' he stated. 'The French Senate delegation that visited India fully supported India's stand and gave us confidence that the world stands with India when we are fighting against terrorism in all forms, whether state-sponsored or non-state actors,' Goyal said. The April 22 attack, carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, is one of the deadliest in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama strike in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. The minister drew parallels between both countries' experiences with terrorism, referencing the devastating 2015 Paris attacks that killed approximately 125 people just days before the COP21 climate summit. 'Acts of terrorism in France have caused a lot of damage,' Goyal noted. 'The people and the government of France can understand India's anger. They could connect with the displeasure the people of India felt,' Goyal said. The visit underscores the deepening ties between India and France, built on the strong personal relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron. 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Macron share a very deep personal connect and rapport and have had frequent interactions, giving afresh momentum to the strong French-India ties,' Goyal emphasised. This momentum was recently demonstrated in February 2025 when India and France co-hosted the AI Action Summit, which Goyal described as 'a strong endorsement of our shared objective to further the ethical use of artificial intelligence and promote good regulations.' During his Paris visit, Goyal is scheduled to meet with CEOs of several French companies to encourage investment in India, leveraging the country's market of 1.4 billion people and its skilled workforce. The minister will also hold bilateral meetings with his French counterparts and trade ministers from around the world. A key focus of the discussions will be advancing the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, with France being one of its strongest supporters. Goyal is set to meet EU Trade Commissioner Maurus Sarkovic to take the trade partnership 'to the next level at the earliest.' The meetings aim to advance the Horizon 2047 roadmap finalised between Modi and Macron, which includes a mini-ministerial gathering of trade ministers from major economies to discuss strengthening multilateral trading systems and WTO reforms. The minister highlighted the role of approximately 120,000 Indians living in France as 'a living bridge between India and France.' He also mentioned the upcoming Swaminarayan temple near Paris as a symbol of Indian culture and heritage in Europe. In a significant cultural collaboration, the Louvre has entered into an MoU with India to help establish the Yug Yugeen Bharat Museum, described as the world's largest museum, which will showcase India's rich cultural heritage at the North and South Block complex in New Delhi. Goyal's visit represents a significant step in strengthening the multifaceted partnership between India and France, built on shared values of democracy, counter-terrorism cooperation, and mutual economic growth. (ANI)
