Ecological Pact for Politicians

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Note: This important Ecological Pact for Politicians was very influential in shifting the dialog for French politicians, and is being adapted for use in Brazil and other nations.  It establishes a high standard of sustainability and responsibility for politicians to reach. Cheers, Kevin

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Summary of the Ecological Pact for Politicians

NICOLAS HULOT INVITES CANDIDATES AND CITIZENS TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR DESIRE TO TAKE ACTION BY SIGNING THE ECOLOGICAL PACT.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE ECOLOGICAL PACT?
We must not wait any longer to prioritise ecological and climate issues. Experts confirm that an unprecedented ecological crisis is looming and this threat is amplifying and accelerating tensions among humans around the globe.

During his term of office, the next French president will have the difficult task of dealing with the changes we face. Employment, economy, solidarity, democracy and the well-being of every one of us depend greatly on his political choices.

Without being vain enough to believe that France can change the global situation, it can play a major role on the international scene and encourage Europe to follow in its footsteps if it places ecological issues at the forefront of its policies.

This is a unique opportunity to create a major economic, social and cultural transformation in our society, by way of mass mobilisation. Nicolas Hulot and the experts of the Foundation’s Committee for Ecological Vigilance propose that this mobilisation be based on an ECOLOGICAL PACT.

A CIVIL ACTION GOING BEYOND POLITICAL DIVIDES
The goal of the Ecological pact is to place ecological and climate issues at the forefront of future political debates. It aims to: • Encourage presidential election candidates to look beyond political divides. • Rally citizens.

• Open public debate by proposing 10 objectives and 5 practical proposals to candidates for incorporation into their programmes.

The Nicolas Hulot Foundation also urges candidates to consider the proposals of other environmental NGOs.
FOR THE CANDIDATES: PLACING ECOLOGY AT THE FOREFRONT OF THEIR PROGRAMMES

Candidates pledge their commitment in two stages:

1st stage – Signing the Ecological pact
A solemn written commitment by which candidates demonstrate their desire to take action and make ecology a national priority beyond political divides.

2nd stage – Responding to the 10 objectives and 5 proposals from the Foundation

Nicolas Hulot asks candidates to express an opinion on the objectives and proposals (details of which are found in the Press kit). This involves reading them carefully, making additions, even adapting them or suggesting alternatives.

The Foundation expects a response from each candidate and it will publish these on the Ecological pact web site.

These 10 objectives and 5 proposals are summarised on the pact web site: www.pacte-ecologique-2007.org and detailed in a book entitled “For an ecological pact”, published by Calmann-Levy (in bookshops from November 8th).

FOR CITIZENS: RALLYING TOGETHER TO BE HEARD
By signing the Ecological pact, citizens have the opportunity to clearly say to candidates that they wish to see ecology placed at the forefront of political issues, and thus become the determining factor behind the decisions made and actions taken, as fast as possible and at the highest national level.
When it is time to vote, citizens will be aware of the candidates’ commitments and will be able to make an informed decision.

In order for this mobilisation to succeed, it must come from all levels of society; personalities well-known and well- loved in France have already shown their support for the Ecological pact. Hubert Reeves, Jean-Marie Pelt, Jean- Louis Etienne, Yann Arthus-Bertrand, Jane Goodall and Boris Cyrulnik have all volunteered to spread the word. A support committee will be launched on November 7th; the aim of the latter is to unite all those willing to take action in order to build the necessary impetus.

The Ecological pact is available to everyone: • On the web site www.pacte-ecologique-2007.org. • In the book “For an Ecological pact” (published by Calmann-Levy), available in bookshops. • At Nicolas Hulot's conferences held in various regions throughout France. (List available on the Ecological pact web site). • On request, by writing to the Nicolas Hulot Foundation for Nature and Humanity, at the following address: Fondation Nicolas Hulot - Pacte écologique - 6, rue de l’Est - 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt.

WWW.PACTE-ECOLOGIQUE-2007.ORG : ECOLOGICAL PACT INTERACTIVE WINDOW
The web site enables everyone to understand what the Ecological pact is about and to appreciate the importance of ecological and climate issues in the presidential campaign. It also enables everyone to:

• sign the Ecological pact online.
• find out about the 10 objectives and 5 proposals, which are summarised there. • express opinions in the forum.

• find out at any time the positions of the various candidates and their responses to the 10 objectives and 5 practical proposals. All candidates have their own space to respond and express their opinions. They also have the possibility of posting a summary of their environmental programme on the site, which may be downloaded by anyone who so wishes.