Structure of This Book

This book is organized both chronologically and thematically. After this introduction, Chapter 2 traces the historical foundations of French environmentalism from the 19th century through the 1960s, examining early conservation efforts and the environmental consequences of industrialization.

Chapter 3 focuses on the pivotal period from 1968 through the 1980s, when environmental consciousness exploded onto the French political and cultural scene. Chapter 4 examines the evolution of grassroots movements and activism, while Chapter 5 analyzes the development of environmental policy and governance structures.

Chapter 6, "Diverse Voices and Environmental Justice," explicitly addresses questions of inclusion and equity in French environmentalism. Chapter 7 tackles contemporary challenges, from energy transition to sustainable agriculture. Chapter 8 explores the cultural dimensions of French environmentalism, including philosophical contributions and artistic expressions.

Chapter 9 presents detailed case studies from different French regions, including overseas territories, to illustrate the geographic diversity of environmental challenges and responses. Finally, Chapter 10 looks toward the future, considering how French environmentalism might evolve in response to climate change, biodiversity loss, and social transformation.