ENVIRONNEMENT ( France’s High Council for the Climate Urges “Collective Awakening” on Decarbonization )

policies. Composed of scientists, economists, and energy experts, its role is to assess the government's progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to recommend improvements. Each year, the HCC publishes a detailed report that scrutinizes France’s climate trajectory. These reports have grown increasingly critical, pointing out delays, inefficiencies, and gaps between promises and action. France Is Off Track: Emissions Reduction Not Fast Enough In its 2025 report, the HCC highlights that France reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by only 2.7% in 2024—far short of the annual target needed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. To align with the Paris Agreement and the European Union’s climate roadmap, France must halve its emissions by 2030. This means reducing them by at least 5% per year, nearly double the current rate. The sectors most responsible for stagnation include: Transport: Still the leading source of emissions in France, with slow progress in electrifying vehicles and reducing road traffic. Housing: The rate of energy renovation for buildings is too slow and poorly targeted. Agriculture: Emissions remain stubbornly high due to livestock production and fertilizer use. Industry: Although some decarbonization technologies exist, their deployment is not yet widespread. A Call for a “Collective Awakening” The key message of the report is clear: France needs a collective leap forward—not isolated efforts. The HCC stresses that governments, businesses, communities, and citizens must work in tandem to make decarbonization a national priority. According to HCC President Corinne Le Quéré, "This is not a technical problem anymore—it’s a problem of political will and social mobilization. We have the solutions. What we need now is implementation at scale." The report warns against complacency and "greenwashing," where superficial actions are mistaken for meaningful progress. Instead, the HCC calls for bold policies and structural reforms to deliver measurable results. Concrete Recommendations by the HCC The 2025 report outlines a series of concrete measures France must adopt without delay: Accelerate Building Renovation France must triple the rate of deep energy renovation in homes and public buildings, targeting low-income households and high-emission structures first. Electrify and Decarbonize Transport Investment should focus on expanding electric vehicle infrastructure, improving public transportation, and implementing low-emission zones in cities. Transition to Renewable Energy Despite progress in solar and wind deployment, France must reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and expand renewable capacity, especially in rural and coastal areas. Reform Agricultural Practices Support for farmers should shift toward sustainable models, such as regenerative agriculture, agroforestry, and low-carbon livestock systems. Introduce Climate-Conditional Public Spending All public investments should be assessed for their climate impact, ensuring that government budgets align with France’s climate goals. Educate and Engage the Public Public awareness campaigns and school curricula must emphasize climate literacy, helping citizens become active participants in the transition. Economic and Social Benefits of Decarbonization While the scale of the transition is daunting, the HCC highlights the economic and social co-benefits of climate action: Lower energy bills for households thanks to better insulation and efficiency Improved public health due to reduced air pollution New green jobs in construction, renewable energy, and sustainable farming Energy independence by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels Far from being a burden, the report argues that decarbonization is a strategic investment in France’s long-term prosperity and security. A Message Beyond France: Europe Must Step Up Although the HCC report focuses on France, its findings resonate across the EU. The European Green Deal sets ambitious targets, but national-level implementation often lags. France’s struggle reflects a broader issue: climate targets are easy to set but hard to meet without binding mechanisms, public accountability, and inclusive policies. If one of Europe’s largest economies cannot meet its climate obligations, the credibility of the entire European climate framework could be at risk. Citizen Engagement: A Missing Link The report also points to the lack of public engagement as a major hurdle. Many citizens feel disconnected from national climate plans or believe their individual actions have little impact. To counter this, the HCC recommends stronger participatory governance, such as local climate councils and citizen assemblies, which can shape and monitor regional policies. 2025: A Pivotal Year for Climate Action in France As global temperatures rise and climate disasters multiply, 2025 marks a critical year for France and the world. The choices made now will shape the trajectory of the planet for decades. The High Council for the Climate has made its stance clear: France must act faster, think bigger, and work together to reduce emissions and adapt to a changing climate. The window to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change is rapidly closing. But with leadership, innovation, and unity, France can still lead the way toward a low-carbon, resilient future. Final Thoughts: From Words to Action The HCC’s call for a “collective awakening” is a wake-up call not just for France but for all nations committed to the Paris Agreement. Climate neutrality is still achievable—but only if it becomes a shared mission. Policymakers must stop treating decarbonization as a technical side issue. It must become the foundation of national planning, economic development, and societal resilience. As the report concludes: “The climate does not negotiate. The sooner we act, the more we preserve our environment, our health, and our future.”