Alumni from Top French Schools Unite for Ambitious and Just Ecological Transition

In a powerful collective move, alumni organisations from twelve of France’s most prestigious grandes écoles have joined forces to issue a public appeal in support of an ambitious and socially just ecological transition. The group, now united under the banner Alumni ACT, is calling on political and business leaders not to reverse the progress made towards a greener economy—and to resist the rising tide of short-termism that threatens to derail environmental action.

Our chairholder, Marc Ringel, was happy to be one of the signatories of this collective statement in support of a fair and ambitious ecological transition.

A Dual Reality: Scientific Urgency and Political Risk

The signatories draw attention to an alarming body of scientific evidence: the impacts of climate change are accelerating, biodiversity is in steep decline, and ecosystems are deteriorating rapidly. Combined with widespread pollution and growing pressures on key natural resources such as water and soil, these crises reveal the unsustainability of current economic and technological models.

While recognising that some progress has been made, the group warns it remains dangerously inadequate. Even more concerning, a pushback is emerging — one that questions indisputable scientific findings and advocates a return to outdated practices under the guise of protecting the economy.

Europe’s Leadership Must Not Falter

The alumni stress that Europe has long been a global leader in environmental protection and the pursuit of sustainable economic models. In today’s rapidly changing world — where some countries are stepping back from their climate commitments while others press ahead with green technologies — it is in Europe’s own strategic interest to maintain its leadership and continue forging a path towards a sustainable future grounded in humanist values.

No Room for Inaction

The collective insists that inaction is not an option. Backed by the scientific community’s warnings, they call for not only maintaining but accelerating the transformation of our economies. A healthy natural environment and a stable climate, they argue, are not luxuries — they are fundamental to the survival and prosperity of societies and economies alike.

This transformation will not happen in isolation. It demands collaboration, a multiplicity of perspectives, and action from leaders across all sectors. There are no quick fixes—only the shared will and concerted effort needed to drive systemic change.

Alumni ACT: A Network for Impact

Drawing on their diverse educational backgrounds and professional spheres, the signatories are uniting their voices, energy and influence to:

• Advocate for an economy that respects planetary boundaries and upholds social justice;
• Share in-depth research and real-world success stories that offer hope and practical solutions — while also reflecting honestly on past failures and the lessons they bring;
• Mobilise wider society towards more sustainable, resilient and humane practices, in support of a stronger Europe and a more peaceful world.

Through Alumni ACT, they aim to make sustainable solutions not only visible, but also attractive and achievable — transforming their networks into a powerful lever for change.

Download the full list of signatories and learn more about the Alumni ACT initiative here.

This blog post is based on an article originally published by Les Echos in French, which you can read in full here.