Reseau Action Climat (RAC France)
Réseau Action Climat (RAC France) is one of the most influential climate NGOs in France. It was created in 1996 and today brings together more than 35 French environmental organizations. Its main goal is to improve French and European climate policies. Instead of carrying out local environmental projects, RAC focuses on research, advocacy, and policy recommendations. It works closely with members of Parliament, government ministries, local authorities, and other NGOs to encourage stronger climate action.
The organization is led by Morgane Créach, Executive Director, and Edouard Toulouse, President. Morgane Créach regularly represents RAC France in meetings with the French government, at climate conferences, and in the media.
One of RAC France’s most important actions is the publication of the Climate and Energy Observatory, released every year since 2017. This report compares France’s climate objectives with the country’s real progress. The 2024 report showed that France stayed within its carbon budget in 2023, but also explained that the country is still not moving fast enough in important sectors such as transport, renewable energy, and building renovation. The report also proposes practical solutions for each sector, making it a useful tool for policymakers and journalists.
Transport is another area where RAC France has had an important impact. The organization has published several studies showing that rail transport produces much lower greenhouse gas emissions than domestic flights. It has supported policies to improve train services, increase investment in public transport, and develop cycling infrastructure. RAC France also supported the measure to reduce short domestic flights when a train journey of less than about 2.5 hours is available. This issue received wide attention during discussions on the French Climate and Resilience Law.
RAC France is also active in housing and energy efficiency. In 2024, it highlighted that France completed only about 85,000 deep energy renovations, while the national target was 200,000. By publishing these figures, RAC showed that current policies were not enough to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. The organization recommended increasing financial support for households and simplifying renovation programs.
Another important contribution is RAC France’s work on the National Low Carbon Strategy (SNBC) and the French Energy and Climate Strategy. The organization submitted detailed recommendations asking for faster development of renewable energy, better support for low-carbon transport, stronger action in agriculture, and more climate funding. Many of these recommendations were discussed during national consultations and parliamentary debates.
RAC France is effective because it combines scientific evidence with practical policy proposals. Every year it publishes reports based on official data, explains where France is meeting or missing its climate targets, and offers concrete recommendations. Journalists, researchers, and decision-makers frequently use its reports. By bringing together more than 35 environmental organizations, RAC France also gives civil society a stronger and more coordinated voice when climate policies are being discussed.
NGO Contact
- Organization: Réseau Action Climat (RAC France)
- Suggested contact: Morgane Créach – Executive Director
- Email: morgane.creach@reseauactionclimat.org
- Website: https://reseauactionclimat.org
This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard France Country Manager, Camille Huret.