The State of Environmental Challenge

France faces multifaceted environmental pressures:

Climate Reality

The numbers paint a stark picture: - Average temperature increased 1.7°C since 1900 (above global average) - 2003 heatwave killed 15,000 people - Alpine glaciers lost 25% of area since 1990 - Mediterranean forests fire risk doubled - Agricultural yields increasingly volatile

Emissions Profile

France's greenhouse gas emissions present a unique profile: - 445 million tons CO2 equivalent annually - Per capita emissions: 6.6 tons (below EU average of 8.2) - Nuclear power providing low-carbon electricity - Transport (31%) as largest emission source - Buildings (19%) requiring massive renovation - Agriculture (17%) facing transformation needs

Ecological Footprint

Beyond carbon, France confronts broader sustainability challenges: - Biodiversity loss accelerating (68,000 species at risk) - Soil degradation affecting 20% of agricultural land - Water stress increasing in southern regions - Circular economy capturing only 19% of materials - Air pollution causing 40,000 premature deaths annually

Dr. Marie Fontaine, climate scientist at CNRS, frames the challenge:

"France benefits from nuclear electricity and moderate consumption patterns, but that's not enough. Reaching net zero requires transforming transport, buildings, agriculture, and industry while adapting to unavoidable climate impacts. It's the economic challenge of our generation."