France has a target of 23% renewable energy in consumption by 2020, with solar power, tax credits and investment in R&D being used to help achieve this objective. However nuclear power will continue to play an important role in France’s energy production; the government has committed to building two next-generation EPR reactors.
In the longer term, France has the goal of achieving a 75% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, and key to achieving this will the Grenelle environment programme which covers areas from biodiversity and agriculture to waste management and renewable energy.
Thinking about the French countryside calls up images of magnificent natural scenery, charming medieval villages and rich soil flowing with cheese and wine.
Case study: Danone, Food and Drink sector, France
New, much stronger forms of concrete, such as Lafarge's Ductal product, has significant environmental value as it can be used much more thinly, it requires much less raw materials, and it is energy-efficient
Case study: Eurostar, Transport sector
Climate events in France
Le Royaume-Uni appelle à un accord ambitieux lors des pourparlers du sommet de l’ONU, à Copenhague, en décembre 2009.
On 1st October, the climate change film 'The Age of Stupid' was screened in the Ambassador's Residence in Paris.