CAPITALIST ENTERPRISES AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE MEDITERRANEAN COASTAL ZONE: THE FOS/ÉTANG DE BERRE AREA (19TH-20TH CENTURIES)

Abstract

This text analyses two centuries of industrialisation in the Fos-Étang de Berre area, from the beginning of the 19th century to the creation of the Fos industrial zone in the 1960s and 1970s. This industrial development led to significant economic, social and environmental transformation in the area. The changes include job creation, the integration of this Mediterranean area into major international trade flows, demographic growth and restructuring, urbanisation, marginalisation of traditional activities, multiple forms of pollution, the disappearance of ecosystems and damage to health. Although the inhabitants have been protesting since the 19th century, their actions did not have an impact on the outcomes as they could not overcome the significant power imbalance. The state fought any potential threats through legislative measures that favoured industrial competitiveness and growth. This historical account reveals the on-going priority given to heavy industry despite its environmental and social costs. Given the conclusions of this historical analysis, the logic behind the current industrial push that is supposed to transform Fos and its surroundings into the “Silicon Valley of decarbonisation and ecological transition” is questioned.