France’s main challenge is no longer technical, but political: aligning climate action with an economic model that delivers visible benefits to citizens in the short and long term.
France faces a growing tension between economic development priorities and climate mitigation efforts. While the country maintains ambitious climate targets, rising living costs, energy price volatility, and concerns over industrial competitiveness increasingly shape policy decisions on climate mitigation.
Economic priorities currently focus on protecting household purchasing power, supporting reindustrialization, and preserving social stability. Measures such as energy price caps, fuel subsidies, and financial support for energy-intensive industries aim to limit economic disruption, but they also weaken incentives to reduce emissions. Since the 2018 “Gilets Jaunes” protests, political leaders have been reluctant to adopt policies, such as higher carbon pricing, that could raise household energy or transport costs.
This tension is especially visible in the transport and housing sectors, which remain major sources of emissions. At the same time, France’s push for reindustrialization in strategic sectors may increase short-term emissions, even when long-term decarbonization goals are acknowledged. These trade-offs make it difficult for France to stay on a pathway consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C by 2030, as recommended by the IPCC.
As a result, climate mitigation has become a more conditional policy priority, increasingly framed as acceptable only if it does not threaten economic growth or social cohesion. Climate action is often adjusted rather than enforced when conflicts arise.
Still, the divide between economic development and climate policy is not inevitable. Investing in building renovations can reduce emissions, create jobs, and lower energy bills. Expanding rail and public transport supports regional development while cutting transport emissions. Redirecting public subsidies from fossil fuels to renewable energy and low-carbon industries could strengthen France’s economy while accelerating decarbonization.
France’s main challenge is no longer technical, but political: aligning climate action with an economic model that delivers visible benefits to citizens in the short and long term.
This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard France Country Manager, Camille Huret.