This chapter provides an overview of the main environmental trends observed in France since 2000. It describes the progress made and the challenges that France needs to overcome if it wants to continue decoupling environmental pressures from economic growth. It reviews the main economic and social developments, takes stock of changes in economic energy, carbon and material intensities, and measures the steps taken towards the sustainable management of natural resources, including water resources and ecosystems.

This chapter presents the main French environmental initiatives and examines the framework governing environmental management. In particular, it analyses the co‐ordination mechanisms at the different levels of government and the impact of the reform of territorial organisation. It reviews the policy assessment structures and their effects on the environment, as well as the measures covering regulatory simplification and compliance enforcement. It also looks at the promotion of environmental democracy through access to information, public participation in decision making and access to environmental justice.

This chapter assesses the progress made by France in integrating environmental considerations into the economy and promoting green growth. It analyses the use made of taxation and other pricing instruments to achieve environmental targets, and advances in eliminating environmentally harmful subsidies. This chapter also examines spending on environmental protection, investment in sustainable modes of transport, and the promotion of green growth and eco-innovation activities as sources of growth and employment. The final section analyses the international dimension of France’s environmental policy, in particular the inclusion of environmental issues in development co-operation programmes and government support of export credits.