France emitted around 366 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent in 2024. This represents a decrease of about 1.8% compared with 2023, continuing the general reduction trend observed in France over the last decade.
According to Citepa, the organization responsible for France’s official greenhouse gas inventory, France emitted around 366 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent in 2024. This represents a decrease of about 1.8% compared with 2023, continuing the general reduction trend observed in France over the last decade.
The main sources used for this information are Citepa’s national greenhouse gas inventory, the French Ministry for the Ecological Transition, and data from the European Environment Agency. French and European institutions use these sources to measure progress toward climate targets.
The largest-emitting sector in France is transport, which accounts for around 34% of total greenhouse gas emissions. Road transport accounts for most of these emissions due to the high use of private cars and diesel trucks. The second largest sector is agriculture, responsible for around 20% of emissions, mainly due to methane from livestock and nitrous oxide from fertilizers. Industry accounts for around 18%, while buildings (residential and commercial) contribute around 16%, mainly from fossil-fuel heating. The energy sector accounts for a smaller share (around 9%) because France produces most of its electricity from low-carbon nuclear energy and renewable sources. The smallest sector is waste, which represents about 3% of national emissions.
Since France signed the Paris Agreement in 2015, greenhouse gas emissions have decreased significantly. At that time, France emitted around 445 MtCO₂e, compared with 366 MtCO₂e in 2024. This means that France has reduced its emissions by about 79 MtCO₂e, or approximately 18%. The main reductions have come from electricity production and improvements in industrial efficiency. However, some sectors, especially transport and agriculture, remain difficult to decarbonize.
France aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared with 1990 levels by 2030 (and has also set objectives based on 2020 levels). Recent reductions show progress, but France is not fully on track to meet its 2030 target. The pace of reduction needs to increase, particularly through faster development of public transport, electric vehicles, renewable energy, and energy renovation of buildings.
France has a legal objective to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This means balancing remaining emissions with carbon removals from forests, soils, and technological solutions. Although France has already made progress, the High Council for Climate (Haut Conseil pour le Climat) has stated that current policies are insufficient to meet the 2050 goal. More ambitious actions will be needed in all sectors.
The greatest obstacle to reducing emissions further is the transport sector. France still relies heavily on private cars and fossil fuels, especially outside major cities where public transport options are limited. Another challenge is the slow renovation of older buildings, which consume large amounts of energy. Reducing emissions will require faster investments, stronger policies, and greater support for households and businesses.
This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard France Country Manager Camille Huret.
Learn More Resources
- Citepa (2025). France’s national greenhouse gas inventory and emission estimates.
https://www.citepa.org - French Ministry for the Ecological Transition (2025). Chiffres clés du climat – France, Europe et Monde.
https://www.statistiques.developpement-durable.gouv.fr - European Environment Agency (2025). Greenhouse gas emissions by country and sector.
https://www.eea.europa.eu - Haut Conseil pour le Climat (2025)—Annual Report on Climate Action in France.
https://www.hautconseilclimat.fr