Speaker Dominique Bourg Environmental philosopher, honorary professor and author

A philosopher, honorary professor at the University of Lausanne and author, Dominique Bourg is one of the leading French-speaking voices in ecological thought. For several decades, he has explored the relationships between the environment, the economy, democracy and societal choices.

Thinking about ecology differently

For Dominique Bourg, the ecological crisis cannot be reduced to climate or to a technological question. It raises deeper questions about our relationship with progress, consumption, the living world and resources. His approach helps explain why environmental challenges require us to rethink our economic models as much as our ways of life.

At the heart of environmental policy

Dominique Bourg has been involved in several major stages of French environmental thinking. Notably, he served as a member of the Coppens Commission, tasked with preparing the Charter for the Environment now attached to the French Constitution, and as vice-chair of a commission of the Grenelle de l’environnement. This experience allows him to connect philosophical reflection, scientific knowledge and the realities of public decision-making.

From planetary boundaries to an ecological civilisation

Climate, biodiversity, resources, pollution: Dominique Bourg shows that our societies now operate in a world subject to physical limits. His book Leçons des limites planétaires, published by Actes Sud in September 2025, extends this reflection on the conditions for a society able to remain compatible with the habitability of the Earth.

Rigorous thinking to inform decision-making

Dominique Bourg offers neither quick fixes nor platitudes. He invites leaders, institutions and citizens to consider the full depth of the transformations under way. His talks provide perspective, call some certainties into question and open up reflection on the economic, political and social models of tomorrow.