In recent years, the global environmental movement has witnessed the emergence of dynamic young leaders dedicated to advocating for climate justice and sustainable practices. Among these figures, Camille Étienne stands out as a prominent French environmental activist, renowned for her passionate commitment to ecological causes and her innovative approach to raising awareness.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born on May 29, 1998, in Grenoble, France, Camille Étienne hails from the picturesque region of Savoie. She spent her formative years in the village of Peisey-Nancroix, deeply immersed in the natural beauty of the French Alps. Her father, a mountain guide, and her mother, a former member of the French snowboard and climbing team, instilled in her a profound appreciation for the environment from a young age. Initially aspiring to become a family law judge, Étienne pursued a master’s degree in Economics at Sciences Po, Paris. However, during her studies, she became increasingly aware of the pressing issues surrounding climate change, leading her to dedicate her gap year entirely to activism.
The Genesis of Activism
Étienne’s journey into environmental activism began in earnest in 2018 when she assumed the role of spokesperson for the collective “On est prêt” (“We are ready”). This platform allowed her to amplify her voice on environmental matters, leading to significant engagements, including speaking at the European Parliament alongside notable figures such as Greta Thunberg, Belgian activists Adélaïde Charlier and Anuna De Wever, and German activist Luisa Neubauer. These collaborations underscored her commitment to fostering a unified global response to the climate crisis.
Avant l’Orage: Merging Art and Environmentalism
During the global lockdowns of 2020, Étienne co-founded the collective “Avant l’Orage” (“Before the Storm”) with director Solal Moisan. This initiative sought to intertwine artistic expression with environmental advocacy, aiming to reach a broader audience through creative mediums. On May 28, 2020, the collective released a compelling video titled “Réveillons-nous” (“Wake Up”). Set against the serene backdrop of the mountains, the video features Étienne delivering a poignant monologue on the urgency of the climate emergency, accompanied by dancer Léa Durand. The video’s evocative blend of spoken word and dance resonated deeply, garnering over 15 million views across various platforms and being translated into multiple languages, including Spanish, English, German, and Portuguese.
Challenging Economic Paradigms
In August 2020, Étienne was invited to speak at the Medef summer school, a significant event organized by the largest employer federation in France. During her address, she challenged traditional economic models, advocating for a reevaluation of the relentless pursuit of growth. She proposed the idea of “working less, but maybe with more meaning” as a means to reinvent the business world. Étienne emphasized that the current model, which prioritizes excessive production, often exceeds planetary limits and directly endangers human life.
Advocacy Through Legal Channels
Demonstrating her multifaceted approach to activism, on June 16, 2021, Étienne, alongside activist Cyril Dion and Member of the European Parliament Pierre Larrouturou, filed a legal complaint against then-Prime Minister Jean Castex and four other ministers. The accusation centered on governmental inaction in the face of climate change. This move highlighted her belief in holding leaders accountable and utilizing legal frameworks to drive environmental action.
Campaigns Against Environmental Degradation
Étienne has been actively involved in campaigns targeting significant environmental concerns. Notably, she has opposed the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), the world’s largest heated oil pipeline planned in East Africa by TotalEnergies. Additionally, she has campaigned against the Lützerath mining site in Germany and the exploitation of the seabed, emphasizing the detrimental impacts these projects have on ecosystems and local communities.
Literary Contributions
In May 2023, Étienne expanded her advocacy to the literary realm with the publication of her book, “Pour un soulèvement écologique: dépasser notre impuissance collective” (“For an Ecological Uprising: Overcoming our Collective Helplessness”). In this work, she delves into the psychological and societal barriers that hinder collective action against environmental degradation, offering insights and strategies to inspire mobilization.
Recognition and Influence
Étienne’s impactful work has not gone unnoticed. Vanity Fair recognized her as one of the “50 French Women who made 2020,” placing her alongside influential figures like Adèle Haenel and Virginie Despentes. Technikart also named her among the “100 who can save 2021,” acknowledging her significant contributions to environmental advocacy. Furthermore, the media outlet Brut included her in their list of “31 who made 2022 happen,” underscoring her continued influence in the environmental movement.
A Vision for the Future
At just 25 years old, Camille Étienne embodies the vigor and determination of a new generation of environmental activists. Her multifaceted approach—encompassing direct action, artistic expression, legal challenges, and public discourse—serves as a blueprint for contemporary activism. Through her endeavors, she not only highlights the urgency of the climate crisis but also inspires individuals and communities to envision and work toward a sustainable and just future.
