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Presentation of the main texts (3/3): the Charter for the Environment (Charte de l'environnement)
This sheet presents the main principles of the 2004 Charter for the Environment. The Charter says that protecting the environment is vital, for France and for the future generations of humanity.
Key points of the sheet
- In 2000, people slowly became aware that we must protect the environment. In 2002, Jacques Chirac said: "Our house is burning and we are looking elsewhere." In 2004, after two years of discussion, the Charter was approved, then added to the 1958 Constitution in 2005.
- The Charter has a Preamble and 10 articles. It says in particular that Man and nature depend on each other, and that everyone must contribute to limiting the damage caused by man and his activities to the environment.
- The Preamble says that the future of humanity cannot be separated from its natural environment. Its last sentence, about sustainable development, is often quoted. Present choices must not compromise the ability of future generations and of other peoples to meet their own needs.
- The French people solemnly proclaim their attachment to the Rights of Man and to the principles of national sovereignty. They are defined by the 1789 Declaration, confirmed and completed by the preamble of the 1946 Constitution. They also proclaim their attachment to the rights and duties of the 2004 Charter.
- Everyone has the right to live in a balanced environment that respects health. Every person also has the duty to take part in preserving and improving the environment.
- Every person must, under the conditions set by law, prevent the harm they may cause to the environment or, failing that, limit its consequences. They must also, under the same conditions, contribute to repairing the damage they cause. Facing uncertain damage that could be serious and irreversible, public authorities apply the precautionary principle.
- Public policies must promote sustainable development. Every person has the right, under the conditions and limits set by law, to access information about the environment held by public authorities.
- Environmental education and training must help people exercise the rights and duties of the Charter. Research and innovation must help preserve and enhance the environment. The Charter inspires France's European and international action.
Words to know
- Charter for the Environment (Charte de l’environnement)
- It is a text approved in 2004 and added to the 1958 Constitution in 2005.
- sustainable development (développement durable)
- Public policies must promote it: they reconcile the protection and enhancement of the environment, economic development and social progress.
- precautionary principle (principe de précaution)
- Facing uncertain damage that could be serious and irreversible, public authorities assess the risks and take temporary and proportionate measures.
- future generations (générations futures)
- Today's choices must not harm their ability to meet their own needs.
- common heritage (patrimoine commun)
- The Charter says that the environment is the common heritage of human beings.
Test yourself: 3 questions
In which year was the Charter for the Environment added to the Constitution?
In French, the language of the exam: En quelle année la Charte de l'environnement est-elle ajoutée à la Constitution ?
The Charter was approved in 2004. It was added to the 1958 Constitution in 2005.
How many articles does the Charter for the Environment contain?
In French, the language of the exam: Combien d'articles contient la Charte de l'environnement ?
The Charter for the Environment has a Preamble and 10 articles.
Facing a serious risk to the environment, which principle do the authorities apply?
In French, the language of the exam: Face à un risque grave pour l'environnement, quel principe appliquent les autorités ?
Article 5 says that public authorities apply the precautionary principle when damage could be serious and irreversible.
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More in this topic (Fundamental rights)
- Presentation of the main texts (2/3): the Constitution of the Fifth Republic
- Presentation of the main texts (1/3): the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
- Citizenship
Source
Sheet “Présentation des principaux textes (3/3) : La Charte de l'environnement” of the French Ministry of the Interior: formation-civique.interieur.gouv.fr. Content published under the Etalab Open Licence 2.0. This page is a plain-language adaptation made by Hexaciv, which is not an official site: if in doubt, the ministry's text is the one that counts.
Ministry sheet read on 23 October 2026, still identical on 25 October 2026.