Political Ecology

Inspiration from beyond Europe, from Rajagopal, renowned Indian activist who is planning a protest walk from Delhi to Geneva.

With France’s presidential election just months away – what role is there for political ecology to play?

An interview with Tomas Tomilinas, MP with the Lithuanian Peasant and Greens Union who gained a landslide victory last year.

Fifteen years ago, in April 2001, an unexpected event took place in Canberra, Australia, that would change the scene of international political organisations. A significant number of environmentalists came with a single objective: to found a global Green movement that brings together all the Green parties and political movements of the Green world.

As the TTIP negotiations between the EU and US continue, another equally sinister force is currently under construction: the Environmental Goods Act (EGA). Both are conducted in secret, and we should not allow the controversy of the former to distract us too much from the great greenwash of the latter.

The EU referendum debate in Britain has avoided any proper analysis of the institution’s flaws and whether or not the EU can be used by Greens to help create sustainable economies. Recent history shows the EU moving in the right direction, as fairly, democratically elected MEPs have begun taking over decision-making powers from the undemocratic bureaucrats of the Commission.

Populist and radical movements are on the rise in Europe while grassroots and democratic movements also gather strength. In this interview the Green European Journal asks Gaël Brustier to reflect on the reasons behind and triggers for these developments

In a time of ecological uncertainty in a swiftly changing society, it is important that as Greens, we lend an ear to the public mood. However, change cannot be brought about if we ourselves also do not change – from a negative tone, to a positive one…

The state of the French Greens, Europe Écologie Les Verts, is in disarray, and the paradoxical gap between a shrinking Green electorate and ecologically conscious citizens and movements grows. However, the grass is always greener on the other side, especially in the case of Italy, where Green prospects in comparison are bleak. A book review of “Manifeste des écologistes atterrés”.

Without a doubt, the news of Jean Vincent Placé (leader of Green group in the French Senate) and other Green members’ departure from the group – during the summer 2015 after having accused others in the party Europe Ecologie Les Verts (EELV) of “shifting too far left” and demanding too much of the Socialist government – was a relief to the Greens and their supporters. But, it is far from fully cathartic, perhaps partly because losing members is always a failure.