François Gemenne said that climate policies must be designed as just and equitable strategies to protect the poorest populations [1].

This focus on equity is critical because environmental regulations can inadvertently create financial burdens for low-income citizens. If policies ignore these socio-economic disparities, the transition to a green economy may face public resistance or deepen existing poverty.

Gemenne said there is a need for a framework that considers how specific climate measures affect different social strata [1]. He said the goal is to ensure that the transition to sustainability does not disproportionately harm those who have the fewest resources to adapt [2].

"We must consider the effect climate policies will have on the poorest," Gemenne said [1].

The call for equitable strategies suggests a shift toward "just transition" frameworks. These frameworks aim to balance the urgent need for carbon reduction with the necessity of social stability, ensuring that the cost of saving the planet does not fall on the most vulnerable [2].

By integrating social equity into environmental planning, policymakers can create more sustainable and politically viable paths toward climate goals [1]. This approach seeks to prevent a scenario where green taxes or energy mandates penalize those unable to afford new technologies or efficient housing [2].

“"We must consider the effect climate policies will have on the poorest,"”

This perspective highlights the tension between rapid environmental decarbonization and social equity. By advocating for policies that protect the poor, Gemenne is addressing the risk of 'green lash'—social unrest triggered by climate policies that are perceived as unfair or regressive. This suggests that for climate action to be successful in France and beyond, it must be paired with robust social safety nets.