In a recent opinion piece, David Lisnard, the mayor of Cannes and president of the political movement Nouvelle Énergie, has taken a strong stance against a controversial educational textbook published by Nathan. This textbook includes a suggestion that one effective way to combat climate change is to have 'one less child.' Lisnard argues that such recommendations are part of a broader ideological campaign aimed at shaping the existential choices of young people under the guise of scientific reasoning. He believes this approach distorts the educational purpose and responsibilities of educators.

Lisnard points out that the textbook presents various solutions for reducing carbon emissions, recommending actions such as living without a car, avoiding transatlantic flights, recycling, and using energy-efficient light bulbs. However, he highlights the troubling emphasis placed on reducing population growth by having fewer children as the most effective solution. This focus, he claims, reflects a disturbing trend in educational materials that increasingly intertwine environmentalism with personal lifestyle choices, thereby influencing young minds in profound ways.

The implications of Lisnard's critique are significant, as it raises questions about the role of education in addressing global issues like climate change. He warns against the politicization of education and calls for a balanced approach that offers a variety of solutions while respecting parents' rights and children’s freedoms. The debate on this topic is likely to spark discussions about how far educational content should go in advocating for specific social or environmental policies, especially in sensitive areas like family planning and reproductive choices.