France Launches Consultation on Delayed Climate Strategy Amid Paris Agreement Anniversary

On December 12, 2025, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement, France initiated a public consultation on its long-delayed 3rd National Low Carbon Strategy (SNBC). This comprehensive 700-page document details France’s roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, covering critical sectors such as transport, housing, and food. The strategy’s release has been significantly postponed, nearly three years behind schedule, due to political instability and recent cuts to environmental policy budgets.

The French Minister for Ecological Transition, Monique Barbut, emphasized the importance of rigorous public consultation and study, noting that an earlier version of the SNBC, which only addressed targets through 2030, received 1.2 million comments during a consultation in late 2024. The final version of the strategy is expected to be published by decree in spring 2026.

The announcement comes amidst growing concerns highlighted by French media that despite the original optimism of the Paris Agreement, global CO₂ emissions and fossil fuel consumption continue to rise, complicating efforts to meet strict climate goals. Publications like Libération underscore the fragility of climate targets, while Le Figaro points out that the two-degree limit defined by COP21 was a political decision aimed at establishing a memorable benchmark. This adds urgency to France’s efforts to bolster its climate policies with clear, actionable measures.

The combined context of delayed strategy implementation and ongoing environmental challenges underscores a critical moment for France to reaffirm its commitment to the Paris Agreement goals and strengthen its path toward sustainability.