According to an April 2025 Ipsos-CESI poll, over 75% of French citizens express concern about the effects of climate change, with 83% viewing it as urgent or very important. Despite high concern, behavior change still lags. Few respondents report regularly carpooling or using low-emissions transport.

At the midpoint of 2025, French citizens continue to express support for policies that promote renewable energy and sustainable development. Multiple recent polls reveal that the French population is both well-informed and engaged on environmental issues—though doubts about government action and disparities in support across demographics persist.

Broad Concern and Growing Expectations

According to an April 2025 Ipsos-CESI poll, over 75% of French citizens express concern about the effects of climate change, with 83% viewing it as urgent or very important. In parallel, a majority believes that addressing climate change is directly tied to improving national energy security and economic resilience. However, while concern is widespread, only 27% of respondents trust that the French government has a clear and effective strategy to tackle emissions. Many believe that political leaders often discuss transition but lack follow-through, particularly when it comes to issues of fairness and pace.

Public Support for Renewable Energy

Renewable energy enjoys overwhelming public support in France. A study by Ifop and Engie in early 2025 found that 84% of French people view renewables—such as solar, wind, and hydro power—positively. Moreover, 62% of respondents favor a faster and more ambitious rollout of renewable energy infrastructure, especially in their own communities. Notably, those living near existing renewable energy installations are even more supportive, with 94% reporting a favorable opinion.

At the same time, nuclear energy remains a politically divisive topic. While nearly 60% of the general public support building new nuclear reactors, approval climbs to 85% among right-leaning voters, reflecting a preference in some groups for low-carbon technologies perceived as more reliable than intermittent renewables.

Demographic and Political Divides

Public opinion varies across age groups and political affiliations. Younger respondents (under 30) tend to be more supportive of systemic changes and lifestyle shifts, such as reducing meat consumption or prioritizing public transport. Older generations, while still largely supportive of climate action, are more cautious about rapid transitions and tend to support energy mixes that include nuclear power.

Politically, left-leaning individuals generally favor expansive climate policies, social equity measures, and decentralized energy solutions. Right-leaning voters are more likely to emphasize energy sovereignty and the role of nuclear power in maintaining a stable supply. Regional differences also emerge, with rural communities often feeling left out of public transportation strategies or energy subsidies, leading to a perception that climate policies favor urban populations.

Gaps in Knowledge and Action

Despite high concern, behavior change still lags. Few respondents report regularly carpooling or using low-emissions transport. According to a European Investment Bank survey, over half of French citizens admitted to feeling poorly informed about the financial aid available for energy renovations or green technologies. Yet, there is a clear appetite for better guidance: 59% said they felt more confident managing their energy bills in 2025 than the year before, signaling progress when support mechanisms are clear and accessible.

Recommendations for Better Climate Polling

Climate polling in France is frequent and generally well-conducted, with leading institutions like IFOP, Ipsos, and the EIB providing detailed insights. However, most polls still focus on national averages, without drilling down into local or community-level perspectives. Future polling could be improved by examining climate justice issues more closely—such as which communities benefit from subsidies or how public transit access differs between cities and rural zones. There is also a need for longitudinal studies that track how awareness translates (or doesn’t) into long-term behavioral change.

Conclusion

France’s public opinion in 2025 reflects a nation that is environmentally conscious, supportive of renewable energy, and eager for meaningful action. However, public confidence in governmental policy remains fragile. Bridging the gap between support and action—especially for the most vulnerable groups—will be essential to turning strong public sentiment into lasting change.

References

1. Ipsos–CESI (April 2025). Les Français face au changement climatique.
2. Ifop–Engie (April 2025). Énergies : que veulent les Français ?
3. European Investment Bank Climate Survey (2024–2025). Climate Crisis and Generational Divides in France.
4. French High Council on Climate (HCC) Reports, 2025.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard France Country Manager Camille Huret.