Episode 01: “The disaster is here” France presents itself as a global climate leader—but at home, environmental activists are facing increasing repression from the authorities. In this episode, host Seden Anlar speaks with activists Arthur Grimon and Lea Hobson of Les Soulèvements de la Terre, who share what it’s like to face police raids, surveillance, and accusations of “eco-terrorism” for protesting environmental destruction. With insights from Amnesty International’s Catrinel Motoc and trauma expert Guido Veronese, we explore how AI surveillance, counterterrorism rhetoric, and repressive laws are reshaping protest—and how this crackdown is affecting activists’ mental health, human rights, and the future of climate resistance in France and beyond.
France says it’s leading the fight against climate change. So why is it treating climate activists like criminals?
Security or Surveillance? Climate Activism Under Watch in France is a three-part mini-series from Are We Europe, hosted by journalist Seden Anlar. It investigates how artificial intelligence, counterterrorism rhetoric, and state surveillance are being used to silence climate activists, restrict protest, and reshape civic space in France—and across the EU.
Through personal stories and expert insight, the series explores the human cost of repression and the growing criminalisation of environmental protest.
This podcast was produced within the scope of FOCUS, a project co-financed by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EU CERV. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.