Terra Nova recently issued a short policy paper entitled Pour une Politique Sociale-Écologique: Protéger l'Environnement et Réduire les Inégalités. From a relatively quick review, it looks like a useful restatement of the need to combine environmental and social policies. Terra Nova, which until now I've only been passingly aware of, was created in 2008 and describes itself as an "independent progressive think tank aiming to produce and disseminate innovative political solutions for France and Europe." It's been compared to the moderately progressive Center for American Progress in the U.S.
The report's emphasis that the poor are the least able to protect themselves from the effects of environmental degradation is not new news. Nor is it news that environmental programs often face opposition from those claiming that they limit the economic growth that would benefit the poor. Still, the paper is a timely reminder that, politically and practically, environmental programs and actions to reduce inequalities need each other. And it presents several arguments in favor of a "politique social-écologique."
The authors promise specific policy proposals in later papers. They also promise to broaden the discussion to European and international settings. I'll pay more attention now.
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