France’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have slowed for the second consecutive year, according to a provisional forecast published by the French government. The country’s emissions decreased by 1.6 percent in 2025, with a reduction of 5.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. However, this pace is far below the required rate to meet France’s 2030 climate targets.
The French government has set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, which requires emissions to fall by 4.6 percent annually until 2030. Despite this, the rate of reduction has slowed significantly, from 6.8 percent in 2023 and 3.9 percent in 2022 to 1.8 percent in 2024. The latest estimate for 2025 is also lower than expected, with Citepa, the non-profit organization responsible for tracking France’s greenhouse gas inventory, initially predicting a decline of only 0.8 percent.
While some progress has been made in reducing emissions from heavy-emitting sectors such as industry, agriculture, and transport, the energy and waste treatment sectors have seen little improvement. This poses a significant challenge for France, a major economy and leader in the transition to a low-carbon future. The need to phase out fossil fuels and reduce dependence on imported energy sources is becoming increasingly urgent, according to Anne Bringault, a director at Climate Action Network France.
The slowdown in France’s emissions reduction mirrors a similar trend in neighboring Germany, where emissions fell by only 1.5 percent in 2025. The European Union has set a goal of cutting net greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, with a 37 percent reduction already achieved by 2023. The latest assessment highlights the need for France and other industrialized countries to make faster and deeper cuts to heat-trapping emissions driving global warming.
The French government’s updated pathway for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 emphasizes the importance of accelerating emissions reductions in the coming years. With the country’s current pace of reduction falling short of targets, policymakers will need to implement more effective measures to drive down emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy. The European Union’s climate goals and the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels will likely remain key priorities for France and other member states in the years ahead.
