Nicolas Hulot

Nicolas Hulot, born on April 30, 1955, is a prominent French journalist and environmental activist known for his multifaceted career as a television presenter, writer, photographer, and ecologist. He founded the Nicolas Hulot Foundation in 1990, which has played a significant role in advocating for environmental issues in France.

In 2011, Hulot sought to influence environmental policy by running in the primary for the Europe Ecology – The Greens (EELV) party, ultimately losing to Eva Joly. Despite declining offers to serve as a government minister under several French presidents, he accepted a position in May 2017 as Minister of Ecological and Solidary Transition in the first government of Prime Minister Édouard Philippe.

Hulot's tenure as minister was marked by his commitment to ecological issues, but he resigned in August 2018, citing disagreements over policy and leadership. His contributions to environmentalism have been recognized with honors, including being named an officer in the Legion of Honour and a knight in the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

In 2021, Hulot announced his retirement from public life following serious allegations of sexual assault brought to light in a documentary, marking a significant turn in his storied career.