French climate law poses the first obstacle to parliament

French President Macron’s climate law passed a first hurdle in Parliament. A large majority of the lower house has approved the law, which must, among other things, prevent the expansion of airports, end patio heaters and tackle packaging waste. The French aim to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030, compared to 1990.

“Instead of big words and huge, unachievable goals that only provoke resistance, we are taking effective action,” the Minister of the Environment told Parliament. The French Senate must also agree, and it is expected to do so.

Less meat, more sustainable homes

The bill stipulates, among other things, that public schools must offer a menu without meat or fish at least one day a week. The number of domestic flights must be drastically reduced and the sale of cars emitting more than 95 grams of CO2 per kilometer will be banned in nine years. In addition, from 2025, owners will no longer be allowed to rent poorly insulated houses.

The law will also state that “ecocide” will become a criminal offense. This means that people who pollute the environment can be prosecuted for it.

Missed opportunity

The bill was discussed in the French lower house for more than 200 hours. 332 deputies finally voted for, 77 against. Environmental clubs have strongly criticized the plans. They think the measures do not go far enough and point out that the French target is lower than target of the European Union, i.e. 55% fewer emissions in 2030 compared to 1990.

Greenpeace speaks of a “missed opportunity” because Macron’s advisers himself say the proposal “may have only limited impact”. in addition judge a French judge at the beginning of February that the government’s climate policy is insufficient.