Our region is currently facing significant environmental challenges caused by a series of intense heatwaves over recent months. Alpine pastures have been scorched, glaciers are retreating at unprecedented rates, and violent thunderstorms have led to floods and landslides. Many hiking trails have been closed due to these conditions. Drought has also become a major issue, with a drought alert in place since June. This has resulted in water supply difficulties, dry springs, and the concentration of pollutants in remaining water sources. Furthermore, the local food supply is under threat, as 70 hectares of agricultural land—used for producing Reblochon cheese—have disappeared. On August 28, 2026, Jérôme Bonet, the newly appointed prefect, granted environmental approval for the A412 highway project in the Chablais region. This 16.5-kilometer highway, connecting Machilly to Thonon, is located in an area bordered by a lake and mountains. The project is expected to increase traffic and urban development in a region that is already heavily developed. The construction company, Eiffage, now has the final administrative approval to begin work. Environmental organizations have raised concerns about the project. The National Council for the Protection of Nature stated that there is no major public interest that justifies the highway. The Environmental Authority also pointed out that the project conflicts with France's environmental commitments. The idea of building this highway has been around since the 1980s and was previously rejected in 1997 by the Council of State due to poor cost-benefit analysis. The highway is expected to generate at least 286,000 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions, increase air pollution, and threaten water resources. It would also double the number of daily vehicles on the roads, and the environmental impact study has significant flaws. Additionally, the public participation process has not been properly conducted. The project would require the sacrifice of 180 hectares of land, which are home to over a hundred protected species, including the beaver. These areas are considered crucial for the region's ecological balance and traditional knowledge. Critics argue that the project continues a policy favoring road transport over rail and has led to the decline of local services. They claim the highway is being promoted as a solution to traffic problems, even though it is being financed through a 55-year concession. Local residents are being asked to accept the destruction of their environment under the guise of efficiency and profitability.