COP21
A timeline of France’s commitments
France has launched its ecological and energy transition with the aim of markedly reducing its
carbon emissions. Its greenhouse gas emissions per person are already among the lowest of
developed countries.
Scroll through this parallax infographic to find out the timeline of France's commitments to combat
climate change: from 2001, when the issue became a national priority, to 2015, when the 21st United
Nations Climate Change Conference - COP21 Paris - will be held in France.
Infographic: a timeline of France’s commitments
2001
An act is passed to establish climate change as a “national priority”.
2004
The first “climate plan” is drawn up, listing the actions to be carried out to reach the targets for the
stabilisation of greenhouse gas emissions set by the Kyoto Protocol (1997).
2005
France commits to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by 75% between 1990 and 2050.
The POPE Act (establishing energy policy guidelines) sets quantified targets for fulfilling this
commitment.
2008
Following Directive 2006/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on energy efficiency,
France submits its first action plan detailing the main policies and measures implemented.
2008
The “climate and energy package” is adopted under the French presidency of the European Union,
setting shared European targets for 2020:
- · reduce EU greenhouse gas emissions by 20% from 1990 levels;
- · raise the share of EU energy consumption produced from renewable resources to 20%;
- · improve the EU’s energy efficiency by 20%.
2009
Act No. 2009-967 of 3 August 2009 establishes precise goals :
- · in the transport sector: reduce greenhouse gas emissions to their 1990 level ;
- · in the construction industry: cut energy consumption by 38% by 2020.
2
2010
Act No. 2010-788 of 12 July 2010 expresses a national commitment to the environment :
- · by reinforcing efforts to improve energy efficiency ;
- · by developing local and regional planning.
2011
France submits its second action plan concerning the implementation of the European directive on
energy efficiency. A third plan starts being drawn up for 2014.
2012
The first Environmental Conference endorses the European targets of a 40% reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a 60% reduction by 2040.
2013
The debate on the energy transition revolves around the creation of a new model for growth: green,
sustainable and inclusive. The debate summary will form the basis of a bill that should be discussed
in Parliament in 2014.
2013
The 19th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP19) in Warsaw should lead to the adoption
of a new international agreement on climate change in 2015.
2014
In September, the States will gather at a United Nations Climate Summit, on the invitation of the
UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon. France will be represented by the President of the French
Republic.
2014
In December, the 20th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP20) will be held in Lima.
2015
France will host the 21st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21 Paris).
France would like to establish an agreement that is binding, applicable to all and ambitious enough to
limit global warming to 2°C.