Ecology is a policy for peace: Monique Barbut closes a constructive and relaxed environment G7

Ministry of Ecology concludes G7 environment presidency in France

On Friday, April 24, Minister of Ecology Monique Barbut concluded the G7 environment meeting, congratulating the two “constructive” days that took place in a “relaxed atmosphere.” This is despite the presence of the United States, who have become fundamentally skeptical about climate change since Donald Trump returned to power in January 2025. To achieve this, French diplomacy chose not to address the issue of climate change directly, which was absent from the main topics on the official agenda, focusing more on nature-related subjects such as biodiversity, oceans, and desertification.

This “pragmatic” strategy was aimed at preserving the unity of the G7. “This led us to focus discussions on priorities that could reach a consensus. And climate, directly, I say this without detour, is not part of it,” said Monique Barbut, pleased with the signing of seven texts at the end of the meeting: three on creating alliances, three common political declarations, and a synthesis text of the work. These are described as “exceptional results” by the minister who expressed pride.

The G7 members first agreed on creating an alliance for nature and people financing. Bringing together major public and private biodiversity donors, it is intended to facilitate dialogue among traditionally competitive actors to negotiate deals together. France hopes to announce the signing of a major project soon, led by the Walton Foundation to finance protected areas in 22 African countries, totaling 600 to 700 million euros.

The Minister also welcomed the inclusion, for the first time on a G7 agenda, of the issue of desertification in a joint declaration linking land degradation, droughts, and the challenges of population displacement, political instability, and security. This declaration is aimed at better addressing this reality and improving cooperation among stakeholders, important in view of the desertification COP scheduled to take place in Mongolia in August. This G7 underscores that ecology is a policy of peace.

Additionally, the G7 members agreed to create another alliance for protected marine areas and a third alliance for real estate resilience in the face of natural disasters – another way to address climate change adaptation, according to France – as well as two declarations on combating illegal fishing and water pollution due to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) or microplastics.

This demonstrates that environmental multilateralism can still yield results, concluded Minister Barbut on Friday at a press conference. By choosing to address major issues through new perspectives, such as security, and after months of negotiations, diplomats succeeded in persuading “cooperative” Americans, represented by Usha-Maria Turner, number 2 of the Environmental Protection Agency, to sign texts that were not easily won. Especially on PFAS or the importance of implementing international treaties on sea protection, as the United States are not signatories.

“Trump’s ambitions on Greenland highlight how maritime spaces are at the heart of the issues: the treaty on the high seas ushers in a new era,” stated the minister.

Although NGOs regretted the lack of discussion on phasing out fossil fuels, the Ecology Minister reassured that climate change was not ignored. It punctuated all other discussions, as reported by Canadian Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin to AFP: “When we talk about nature conservation, we are also taking action on climate change. When we talk about protecting the oceans, we are also addressing the impact of climate change on the oceans.”

The synthesis of this G7 Environment meeting is expected to be presented at the upcoming G7 summit of heads of state, chaired by Emmanuel Macron, in Evian in June.

(With AFP)