France Unveils National Low-Carbon Strategy Through 2050

The Environment Ministry presented the country's third national low-carbon strategy on Wednesday, July 15. The document outlines greenhouse gas emission reductions through 2050. The presentation took place at an event attended by climate scientists, public agencies, and representatives of employers' federation MEDEF. Officials said the timing was significant given recent record temperatures.

The strategy is the third national low-carbon strategy, or SNBC.

Officials described the goals as more ambitious than previous policies. Environment Minister Monique Barbut said the current situation reminds officials of the need to speed up adaptation efforts. She added that reducing emissions remains the main solution to climate change.

The minister stated that the prospect of 4°C of warming by 2100 is not inevitable. Officials said such warming would mean 10 times more heatwave days or two additional months of nationwide drought.