This slight improvement follows a remarkable 5.8% reduction in 2023, which was largely attributed to the recommissioning of nuclear power plants and energy price incentives that encouraged conservation.

Currently under review, the SNBC aims for a provisional target of 270 Mt CO2e in gross emissions by 2030, although stronger reduction goals are anticipated as EU member states negotiate increased ambitions.

On March 28, 2025, the Centre interprofessionnel technique d’études de la pollution atmosphérique (Citepa) published provisional figures indicating that France's greenhouse gas emissions for 2024 are estimated at 366 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, reflecting a modest reduction of 1.8% from the previous year.

Despite this progress, the government has yet to officially adopt its third National Low-Carbon Strategy (SNBC-3), which is critical for steering the country towards its climate objectives.

In contrast, the energy sector experienced the most significant decline in emissions, achieving an 11.6% reduction, primarily due to a recovery in nuclear production and strong hydropower generation.

Minister of Ecological Transition Agnès Pannier-Runacher acknowledged the complexities in the transport and building sectors, which remain significant obstacles to achieving France's climate goal of a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.

The transportation sector showed minimal progress, with only a 0.7% drop in emissions, highlighting the need for more significant improvements as it accounts for one-third of national emissions.

Anne Bringault, director of programs at Réseau Action Climat, described the current situation as a 'real alarm signal' and called for a renewed commitment to climate action.

Citepa warns that a substantial acceleration in emission reductions is necessary to align with the proposed trajectory in SNBC-3, emphasizing the urgency of continued efforts for decarbonization.

France's progress mirrors a broader trend, as countries like Germany, Britain, and the United States have also struggled to meet their emission reduction targets, while emissions in China continue to rise.

However, decarbonization efforts are hampered by challenges in the transport and building sectors, which are lagging behind in emissions reductions.