France's Greenhouse Gas Emissions May Slow Down in 2025

Strategic Insights -

France's pace of reducing greenhouse gas emissions may slow significantly in 2025, according to predictions by the French Industry Technology Center (Citepa). The agency reported that in the first quarter of 2025, France's greenhouse gas emissions rose by 0.2% year-on-year to 104.2 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. The construction sector was the main driver of the increase, with emissions from the sector rising by 5.2%. However, some sectors saw declines in greenhouse gas emissions, partially offsetting the overall increase. The transportation sector saw significant reductions, with greenhouse gas emissions falling by 2.5% in the first quarter, equivalent to a reduction of 700,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Key Takeaways:

  • France's greenhouse gas emissions rose by 0.2% year-on-year to 104.2 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in the first quarter of 2025.
  • The construction sector was the main driver of the increase, with emissions from the sector rising by 5.2% (1 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent).
  • The transportation sector saw significant reductions, with greenhouse gas emissions falling by 2.5% (700,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) in the first quarter.
  • Emissions from the manufacturing sector saw a slight decrease, by 0.5%.
  • France's overall emission reduction rate will slow down throughout 2025, with emissions expected to decrease by about 0.8% compared to 2024.
  • French Minister of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, Oceans and Fisheries Agnes Pannier-Runacher called for a "collective remobilization" to increase emissions reduction efforts in areas such as construction and transportation.
  • France aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5% per year between 2024 and 2030, and to reduce total emissions by 50% compared to 1990 levels by 2030.

Statistics:

  • 104.2 million tons: France's greenhouse gas emissions in the first quarter of 2025 (up 0.2% year-on-year).
  • 5.2%: Increase in greenhouse gas emissions from the construction sector in the first quarter of 2025 (1 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent).
  • 2.5%: Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector in the first quarter of 2025 (700,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent).
  • 366 million tons: France's projected greenhouse gas emissions for the whole of 2025 (down 0.8% compared to 2024).
  • 1990: Base year for France's greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, aiming for a 50% reduction by 2030.

Sources:

  • French Industry Technology Center (Citepa) news release (no date)
  • Agence France-Presse (no date)
  • China Chamber of Commerce for Import & Export of Machinery and Electronic Products (no date)