France’s ‘imported emissions’ are 70% higher than domestic CO2 output, report finds

(EurActiv, 7 Oct 2020) To fall in line with the Paris Agreement and limit global warming to 1.5°C, France’s imported emissions should fall by 65% by 2050, according to the latest report by the country’s High Climate Council published on Tuesday (6 October). EURACTIV France reports.

France’s total carbon footprint – including imported products – is about 70% higher than its national emissions. In 2018, it amounted to 749 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent compared with 445 Mt CO2e emitted nationally, according to France’s High Climate Council reportcommissioned by the government and published on 6 October.

And if the country’s total carbon footprint has been declining since 2005, it is “only due” to the reduction of national emissions, the authors note.

“Imported emissions must be reduced,” the independent body warned, saying this would ensure “France cannot be perceived as reducing its domestic emissions through increased imports – by placing the burden of mitigation on its trading partners”.

To be consistent with the 1.5°C global warming target of the Paris Agreement, the country’s imported greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions would have to be reduced by 65% by 2050 compared to 2005, the report says.

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EurActiv, 7 Oct 2020: France’s ‘imported emissions’ are 70% higher than domestic CO2 output, report finds