Protecting the environment is fighting for a safe environment
Who will benefit from a planet saved from natural disasters if the world is left to the hands of dangerous lunatics, criminal radicalization and medieval obscurantism?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Protecting the environment is also fighting for a safe environment.
The world was supposed to have its eyes on France at the end of November, as Paris was to host Head's of States from across the globe, leading the struggle against climate change with the Conference COP21.
Instead, the world has fixed its eyes on Paris because our country suffered a bloody terrorist attack.
While this tragic event is on everyone's mind, and is the centre of political and media discourse, I cannot help but wonder about the real definition of "environmental protection" in light of these recent attacks.
The most urgent need for the planet is to end half measures, political cowardice and demagoguery
Of course, it brings up the fight against climate change. Given the current state of France and Europe, it is clear that our environment, our daily lives are threatened by rising segregation and the radicalization of too many of our fellow citizens. Approximately 5000 Europeans, including 1200 French citizens, left to go and fight the jihad in Syria and Iraq. The impotence of the West has allowed ISIS to spread its ideology on our very doorstep.
"Our house is burning and we look elsewhere" said Jacques Chirac, at the Fourth Summit of the Earth in 2002. Today, we want to save our planet for future generations, but what planet will there be to save if we allow barbarism and extremism to foster without taking action?
We watched helplessly when Palmyra was blown up, we saw a part of Humanity’s heritage go to dust, we let ISIS spread its savagery in Syria, Iraq and many other countries, and worse still, our youth are defecting every day to Syria. Today, Paris has been attacked and if tomorrow, we take no action, who and where will be next?
Our house is burning. The cause is not only an environmental challenge. I fear that the fight against global warming makes us forget that our most immediate threat is the expansion of an ideology whose practices make us regress to the barbarities of the darkest hours of our history.
The most urgent need for the planet is to end half measures, political cowardice and demagoguery. We must be firm and very clear in the fight against terrorism, against radicalization and the indoctrination of our youth. We must especially emphasize the cynicism of some heads of state who will attend the COP21 to enjoy political soundbites while they are the very ones who support those who seek to destroy life in every part of the world. These countries are adding petrol to the fire.
Some countries have implemented bold initiatives to fight terrorism. I think, for example, of the Hedaya Centre in the United Arab Emirates. I also think of the exceptional work performed by His Majesty the King of Morocco in Rabat who created the first imam training center that provides excellent training to hundreds of imams of all nationalities, with fifty of those being French.
Each time, the objective is the same: to counter the perversion of Islam and prevent the use of religion as being used as an excusefor barbarism, regression and terrorism. The above mentioned initiatives have to be supported and extended. They are our sincere allies in the fight against terrorism.
It is only by having a common response that is clear, strong and purposeful, that we will in fact "terrorise the terrorists" and that we will overcome this barbaric tsunami, this typhoon that threatens our youth, our future. Because the question to ask is who will benefit from a planet saved from natural disasters if the world is left to the hands of dangerous lunatics, criminal radicalization and medieval obscurantism?
It is very clear that in light of the event in Paris, our values and our civilisation need to be protected. This is what we call protecting the environment!
Ms Rachida DATI was a Justice Minister under Nicolas Sarkozy's government, she's the Mayor of the 7th District of Paris and Member of the European Parliament. As an MEP, she's the author on the Report on the prevention of radicalisation and the recruitment of European citizens by terrorist organisations. The report was voted in committee two weeks ago by an overwhelming majority (41 in favour, 7 against) and the report is due to be adopted in plenary session in 10 days in Strasbourg.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments