Greenpeace Protests and Critiques Mark 10th Anniversary of the Paris Agreement in Paris

On December 12, 2025, significant climate activism unfolded in Paris to mark the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, spotlighting both protest actions and critical evaluations of France's climate policy. Greenpeace activists staged a striking demonstration at the Place de l'Étoile, near the Arc de Triomphe, by splashing red paint on the pavement to symbolize what they called '10 years of climate sabotage.' The protest began around 11:15 AM, with banners condemning the lack of sufficient progress on climate commitments since the agreement's adoption in 2015.

The Paris Agreement, adopted nearly a decade ago at COP21, aims to cap global temperature rise well below 2°C, preferably limiting it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. However, recent international assessments, including remarks from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, express doubt that the 1.5°C target can be met in the near term. The latest COP in Brazil fell short of tackling fossil fuel dependency directly, further underscoring global challenges.

Alongside the protests, the French government released its third National Low Carbon Strategy (SNBC) for public consultation. Greenpeace France sharply criticized the plan’s feasibility, pointing out that France achieved only a 1.8% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2024—far below the trajectory required to meet climate targets. Nicolas Nace of Greenpeace condemned the government's failure to take the climate emergency seriously, noting that most emission reductions resulted from temporary factors rather than sustainable structural changes.

The SNBC's key goals include ending coal production by 2027 and phasing out oil and gas production by 2040. However, Greenpeace argues these timelines are too slow, and the plan lacks concrete measures, especially in the transport sector, the largest emissions contributor. Further, Greenpeace criticized the government’s approach to agriculture, highlighting the promotion of industrial farming and the absence of commitments to reduce meat consumption or support sustainable livestock practices.

Polynesian climate activist Jason Temaui Man, involved in the Arc de Triomphe protest, emphasized the necessity of innovative actions to capture attention and spur urgent climate action, reflecting the growing frustration among environmental groups over insufficient governmental response.

Together, these protests and critiques at the anniversary highlight the gap between Paris Agreement ambitions and current policies, urging more immediate and ambitious action to address the ongoing climate crisis.