Dear Readers,
There was euphoria among the delegations as the Paris Climate Conference (COP21) ended, and yet the agreement reached was immediately criticized. Admittedly, it is not perfect; there are omissions, particularly as far as carbon pricing is concerned, but let that not deny our joy at seeing, for the first time, 196 countries all working together in order to find solutions to climate change.
This agreement lays the basis - now it is time to act. One of the things we can do, not only as a foundation but also as individuals, is to join the Divest-Invest movement. And that is what Fondation Ensemble has done (see the spotlight below).
The Paris Climate Conference also encourages foundations to reflect on their responsibility to civil society as it is confronted with climate change. A responsibility that goes well beyond financial support. Civil society, too, must make a commitment; it is the responsibility of all citizens to think hard about their way of life and consumption habits. And with a possible decline in the use of fossil fuels, this may mark the beginning of a new form of industrialization.
As for Fondation Ensemble, we will persevere in the actions we undertake in our focus sectors: sustainable fishing, agroecology and forestry, low-cost renewable energies, terrestrial and marine biodiversity conservation, with animal species struggling to survive … Solutions exist. Locally, new patterns of solidarity are needed to accompany larger-scale solutions: this is the spirit of the new call for proposals, now available on our website. And it is also reflected in the emergence of new co-funding and partnership systems to which our Foundation is committed. It is important to encourage the regular sharing of experience among all development stakeholders.
In short, we need to be concrete and pragmatic - that is our Foundation's mission, while maintaining a holistic vision, for we can see on a daily basis how everything is linked … together.
Enjoy our newsletter!
Jacqueline Délia Brémond
Co-Chair
