French emissions decline faster than overall carbon footprint

France’s greenhouse gas emissions have been falling more rapidly than its overall carbon footprint, highlighting the growing role of imported emissions in its climate impact.

In 2024, emissions from resident units stood at 404 million tons (Mt) of CO2 equivalent (5.9 tons per person), while the carbon footprint reached 563 million tons (8.2 tons per person). The difference stems from imported emissions exceeding those exported.

Although domestic emissions fell 0.9 per cent in 2024 after a sharper 6 per cent drop in 2023, the carbon footprint declined 3.4 per cent as imported emissions decreased 4.6 per cent, the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) said in a release.

Electricity generation became cleaner, but international maritime transport emissions rose. Since 1990, France’s territorial emissions have decreased steadily, yet nearly half of its carbon footprint now results from imported goods and services.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)