France: One of the Most Sustainable Countries in 2015

In 2015 France stood out as one of the most sustainable countries in the world due to the scope of their national efforts and the wider economic implications of their actions. While Nordic countries and their neighbor Germany have ranked very highly on a number of national sustainability assessments, France must be including on any list of the greenest European countries in 2015. France is listed among the top ten countries in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranking of 180 nations.

As hosts of the COP21 climate talks last December French leadership was essential. This is particularly true in light of the Paris terror attacks that took place just prior
to the start of the final round of negotiations. Under the leadership of Francois Hollande France has been a global climate leader. In addition to being the host of the most important climate conference in human history, France introduced a number of sustainability measures in 2015. From managing food waste to supporting renewable energy France showed that it is walking the talk last year.

In 2015 France passed important green energy legislation that will quadruple the country’s carbon tax by 2020. They also installed a 300 megawatt solar PV plant that is now the largest such facility in Europe. France is striving to get almost a quarter of its energy from renewables by 2020 and 40 percent by 2030.

France has also made green and solar roofs mandatory on all new constructions and they have restricted the number of fossil fuel powered vehicles that can travel on city roads. France has also made sustainability reporting mandatory.

Alongside government efforts French companies are assuming a leadership role. For example Air France and a hundred or so other corporate leaders endorsed a statement that included calls for “prompt and decisive action on climate change.” The statement sought to lay out a framework to combat climate change and stimulate economic growth. It explicitly called for more clean energy.

French power stations are pushing for an energy roadmap. Électricité de France and other companies that comprise the Global Sustainable Electricity Partnership (GSEP) sent a letter to governments urging them to provide a clear pathway outlining the move away from fossil fuels and towards low-carbon energy.

France is also investing in clean power in the developing world. The French and Jordanian Prime Ministers signed an agreement for a $44 million loan to build a transmission corridor for renewable energy.