That’s why we want an ambitious environmental policy to provide a better quality of life for all and an ecological transition that will create opportunities for new jobs, businesses and business models. For us, socialism and ecology go hand in hand, 

and we cannot disconnect the wellbeing of citizens from the quality of our environment. Ecological modernisation is a prerequisite for a sustainable and just economy.

The EU must not let the poorest and vulnerable people bear the brunt of environmental deterioration. They often lack the means to adapt to extreme weather conditions – one of the reasons for an increasing number of climate refugees. They find it hardest to deal with flood or storm damages; they often live close to the busiest neighbourhoods with the most polluted air and it is very often their jobs that may be most under threat from the necessary paradigm shift.