The NDC Partnership is a network of over 120 countries, facilitated by UNFCCC, that is dedicated to helping each other strengthen their Paris Agreement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Pledges. The Partnership has just released Version 3.0 of the NDC Navigator, an interactive tool that supports the development of updated country NDCs to be submitted in 2025. Below are Climate Scorecard Country Managers’ advice to their countries of what needs to be done to strengthen their NDCs based on the framework of the NDC Partnership Navigator. 

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Christophe Béchu, Minister of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion
Hôtel de Roquelaure 246 boulevard Saint-Germain 75007 Paris France

Christophe Béchu, Minister of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion,

I hope this letter finds you well. I recommend strengthening France’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in preparation for the 2025 submission, using insights from the newly released NDC 3.0 Navigator. Below are detailed suggestions across three key routes:

Route #1: Aligning France’s NDC with the Paris Agreement Temperature Goal

To align France’s NDC to limit global warming to 1.5°C:

1. Enhance Emission Reduction Targets: France should consider increasing its current target of a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 to at least 55%. This aligns with the European Union’s updated climate goals and will require sector-specific enhancements, particularly in transport, contributing 31% of France’s emissions. An accelerated phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035 and a 50% increase in electric vehicle incentives would support this target.
2. Boost Renewable Energy Share: France should aim to increase its renewable energy share to 40% by 2030, up from the current 23%. Expanding offshore wind capacity to 40 GW and doubling solar photovoltaic installations by 2028 are essential. This would reduce reliance on nuclear power while supporting the broader EU Green Deal targets.

Route #2: Aligning France’s NDC with the Global Goal of Adaptation

To strengthen adaptation measures:

1. Update Vulnerability Assessments: France should conduct a national assessment to update its understanding of climate vulnerabilities, particularly in coastal regions prone to rising sea levels and urban areas facing heat waves. This can inform the allocation of €2 billion in adaptation funding over the next five years, prioritizing flood defenses in the Côte d’Azur and heat mitigation in Paris.
2. Set Measurable Adaptation Targets: France should establish specific goals, such as reducing heatwave-related mortality by 50% by 2030 and increasing the resilience of 20% of agricultural lands to droughts by 2028. These targets should be integrated into local planning, and progress should be monitored annually.

Route #3: Supporting a Just and Equitable Transition in France

To ensure that France’s NDC supports a just and equitable transition:

1. Address Social Impacts: France should introduce a “Just Transition Fund” with a budget of €1.5 billion to support workers affected by the transition from high-carbon industries, such as coal and automotive manufacturing. This could include retraining programs and subsidies for job creation in renewable energy sectors.
2. Inclusive Decision-Making: France should mandate that at least 30% of the NDC revision committee members represent marginalized communities, including low-income and rural populations. This ensures that policies reflect the needs of those most impacted by the transition. Launching a national climate justice dialogue could further integrate these perspectives.

By implementing these specific actions, France can significantly enhance its NDCs, ensuring they contribute to global climate goals while promoting sustainable development and social equity domestically. I strongly recommend incorporating these recommendations into the upcoming NDC revision.

Thank you for your continued commitment to advancing France’s climate leadership. I look forward to discussing these strategies further.

Best regards,

Camille Huret, France Country Manager, Climate Scorecard