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France Unveils Climate Adaptation Plan for a 4°C Future

France is preparing for a worst-case climate scenario, where global heating reaches 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100, prompting extreme heatwaves, wildfires, and coastal erosion.

The third national climate adaptation plan, announced on March 10, outlines dozens of measures to protect people, infrastructure, and ecosystems from worsening climate impacts.

"Adapting is not giving up," said Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Minister of Ecological Transition, emphasizing that France will both cut emissions and adapt to climate change.

What's in France's Climate Adaptation Plan?

The plan focuses on four key areas:

  • Coastlines: Addressing erosion and rising sea levels.
  • Mountains: Managing melting glaciers and biodiversity loss.
  • Forests: Preventing wildfires and preserving ecosystems.
  • Agriculture: Ensuring food security despite climate disruptions.

It also includes five major action areas:

  1. Protecting people (e.g., heatproof housing, climate-responsive healthcare).
  2. Ensuring resilient infrastructure (e.g., safeguarding essential services).
  3. Adapting economic activities (e.g., modified work hours during heatwaves).
  4. Preserving natural and cultural heritage (e.g., conservation efforts).
  5. Mobilizing resources (e.g., national funding for climate adaptation).

Key Measures & Investments

  • A national risk exposure map to assess vulnerable areas.
  • Affordable insurance for high-risk zones, ensuring continued coverage.
  • €1.6 billion budgeted from 2025, including €1 billion from water agencies and €300 million from the Barnier Fund.
  • Rethinking work schedules in extreme heat, taking cues from countries like Greece.

Challenges & Criticism

While environmental groups welcomed the plan, concerns remain over funding and implementation. Experts estimate that France needs up to €8.4 billion per year for climate adaptation, significantly more than the allocated budget.

"There are good intentions, but we need clarity on funding and execution," said Nicolas Richard, vice-president of France Nature Environnement.

With Paris preparing for 50°C summers, France is stepping up its climate resilience efforts. However, whether these measures will be enough to protect its people and economy from escalating climate risks remains uncertain.