France

France climbs four spots from last year’s CCPI, to 21st, and is a medium performer. The country receives a high rating in GHG Emissions and medium in Renewable Energy, Energy Use, and Climate Policy.

After last year’s NECP update that sparked hope among the CCPI country experts despite it lacking mention of the 55% EU emissions reduction target for 2030, this past year has been characterised by political instability, budget constraints, and changing governments. However, the planification écologique (environmental planning) still provides an effective framework for budgeting carbon emissions and distributing emissions reduction obligations to the various regions and sectors. Overall, though, the experts emphasise the country’s unwavering and strong connection with its influential enterprises in the fossil fuel industry, and the repeated failure to bring down emissions in key sectors, such as transport. The experts indicate that France, therefore, cannot be expected to meet its legally binding emissions reduction targets in accordance with the EU’s timeframe.

Wind struggling amid the nuclear renaissance, but civil society participation in policy is a strong point

The experts also stress that intensive livestock farming is an area of major concern because of weakened environmental norms in an attempt to bolster the food industry’s output. They also cite the continued (implicit) support for expanding gas infrastructure as one of the main shortcomings of the country’s climate policy. The experts stress that the current regulation of rooftop solar power slows expansion despite widespread public support. The construction of large wind farms remains contested, contributing to weak governmental support for the industry amid the proclaimed renessaince nucléaire (nuclear renaissance).

With the country forming alliances with other EU member states to block an ambitious 90% reduction target for 2040, France’s International Climate Policy score decreased by a comparably large margin. However, one expert mentions civil society’s active participation in the transformation processes, along with a strong focus on diversity, human rights, and inclusion as a positive development in the country’s performance.

The experts agree on the need to speed up the renewables rollout to align with the ambitious NECP set out in 2024. Also, abandoning the coalition of nations trying to avert a strong, Paris-compatible 2040 target is seen as a key milestone for France to remain a trustworthy partner in international climate policy fora.

Key Outcomes

CCPI experts

National experts that contributed to the policy evaluation of this year’s CCPI chose to remain anonymous.