France: Towards an Alternative Climate Policy Template?

Abstract

France was one of the first countries to adhere to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), signing in 1992 and ratifying in 1994. Recognition of climate change as a real and imminent threat has been a constant of French policy-making ever since, reflecting the country’s significant climate vulnerability. Temperature increases in mainland France are estimated to be 50 per cent higher than average global warming, prompting predictions of lower rainfall in summer and heat waves of comparable or greater severity than that of 2003 occurring more frequently (French Government 2006). Pursuant to article two of the UNFCCC, which states the objective of preventing ‘dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system’, the French government has committed to the view that a mean global temperature rise greater than 2 °C above the pre-industrial level constitutes ‘dangerous climate change’ (MEDD 2004: 69). In 2003, a ‘factor four’ reduction target — namely a 75 per cent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 — was announced by President Chirac (de Boissieu 2006: 13). This target was later incorporated into legislation in the 2005 Energy Bill.