France’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have slowed for the second consecutive year, according to a provisional forecast published by Citepa, a non-profit organization commissioned by the French ecology ministry. The forecast indicates that emissions declined by 1.6 percent in 2025, resulting in a reduction of 5.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. This slowdown extends a trend seen in recent years, with emissions falling by 3.9 percent in 2022 and 6.8 percent in 2023, followed by a sharper decline of 1.8 percent in 2024.
To meet its 2030 climate targets, France needs to achieve an annual emissions reduction of 4.6 percent. The country has unveiled an updated pathway to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, emphasizing the need for significant emissions cuts in the coming years. Citepa’s forecast highlights the challenges faced by industrialized countries like France in transitioning to a low-carbon future, particularly in sectors such as energy and waste treatment, where emissions remain virtually flat.
While some improvements have been recorded in heavy-emitting sectors like industry, agriculture, and transport, the pace of progress remains insufficient to meet France’s climate goals. The European Union, of which France is a member, has pledged to cut its net greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, having already achieved a 37 percent reduction by 2023.
The slowdown in France’s emissions reduction mirrors a similar trend in neighboring Germany, where emissions fell by 1.5 percent in 2025. This underscores the urgency for major economies to phase out their use of fossil fuels and transition to cleaner energy sources. As countries like France strive to meet their climate commitments, the need for sustained and accelerated emissions reductions becomes increasingly pressing. The latest assessment serves as a reminder of the significant challenges ahead and the importance of continued efforts to mitigate climate change.
