France’s 2030 Climate Goals Within Reach
For the first time, the High Council for the Climate (HCC) has declared that France is on course to meet its 2030 climate targets. However, the nation is still off track for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This conclusion is part of the HCC’s annual report, published on Thursday, June 20. The council commends France for its progress in reducing CO2 emissions and believes Paris can achieve its 2030 climate objectives. « The pace of France’s decarbonization, with a reduction in gross greenhouse gas emissions accelerating in 2023, is approaching the expected rate to meet its 2030 climate goals, » states the HCC. France aims to reduce gross emissions by 50% compared to 1990 levels, aligning with the European « Fit for 55 » initiative.
Uneven Progress Across Sectors
The report details a 5.8% decrease in gross emissions last year, attributed partly to factors such as the restart of nuclear reactors. Up to two-thirds of this reduction is credited to public policies. Despite these « important advances, » progress is uneven across sectors, with notable setbacks in agriculture. This sector « suffers from a lack of coherence between agricultural, food, environmental, and climate policies, » says Corinne Le Quéré. The past year has seen a decline in climate public action in agricultural policies, often in response to farmers’ protests.
Urgent Need for Scaling Up
The HCC urges France to set a clear direction for the 2030-2040 decade to build the capacity for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. « Despite significant progress, adaptation efforts remain out of sync with vulnerabilities and needs, » says Corinne Le Quéré. The council emphasizes the need for climate action to protect children, households, and businesses effectively. The past year was the second hottest on record in France, with local water shortages due to drought, devastating wildfires, heatwaves, intense storms, and floods.
Delays in Key Climate Policies
The HCC’s 230-page report advocates for a « scale change in adaptation » to climate change and highlights delays in crucial climate policy texts. The preparation of the third National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PNACC-3) has been slow, with consultation suspended pending the outcome of the legislative elections. The HCC recommends the rapid finalization and adoption of key texts, such as the National Low Carbon Strategy (SNBC) and the Multiannual Energy Program (PPE), to provide long-term visibility for all actors.
Leadership Transition at HCC
The HCC’s first term, established in 2018, concludes on June 24, and it has been renewed for a second term. Agronomist Jean-François Soussana, a soil health and climate change expert who contributed to IPCC reports for over 20 years, will take over from Franco-Canadian climatologist Corinne Le Quéré. The council also welcomes four new members, including financial inspector Selma Mahfouz, ecologist Paul Leadley, coastal erosion specialist Gonéri Le Cozannet, and Diane Strauss from Transport & Environment. Eight members, including Valérie Masson-Delmotte, Jean-Marc Jancovici, and Laurence Tubiana, will continue their roles.
France is making notable strides toward its 2030 climate goals, but significant work remains to ensure carbon neutrality by 2050. The HCC’s report underscores the need for consistent, coherent policies across all sectors to meet these ambitious targets.
