Ecology

Will French aid to buy a zero emission car drop in 2025?

French financial aid to buy new electric vehicles set to fall according to a leading auto magazine

Protest in France over detention of American-Canadian environmental activist Paul Watson

Japan has requested his expedition over a number of incidents

Our interview with the creator of France's summer stargazing extravaganza

Popular scientist and environmental lobbyist Hubert Reeves was a key public face of ecology in France. We spoke exclusively to him on a wide range of subjects, from astrophysics to airports, in 2018

news

Millions more homes in France to face ‘pay to throw extra’ bin fees

Penalties are planned for more households whose bin is collected more than a set number of times per year

Eco-friendly shower wins French invention medal

People can enjoy hot showers with minimal environmental impact, using only a few litres of water compared to hundreds from a bath or traditional shower

What changes for the environment in France in 2024?

New household waste rules included as France continues to try and go green

Eco-activists damage French golf course to be used for Olympics

The green was dug up and graffiti left saying: ‘they are building golf courses, we want forests’

French man cycles length of France to promote eco-farming

He completed 1,400km over 13 days, stopping in remote villages to spread awareness

France Crit’Air zones: biker anger and where do rules limit drivers?

A mass demonstration by motorcyclists is being organised in Rouen on Saturday after exemptions for them to the low-emission area there ended

Summer rain has not helped France’s low groundwater levels - minister

More than 30 departments are also on crisis alert for drought

France will soon begin paying part of people’s clothing repair bills

It is part of a drive to cut waste, reduce CO2 emissions and help climate change

Paris museum thwarts activist’s attempt to throw soup over painting

The incident at the Musée d'Orsay reportedly involved a Gauguin and follows similar incidents in other European countries in recent weeks

Brittany village saves 25% on energy bills with new eco tools

Authorities installed energy monitors and other systems in public buildings. The mayor has called for more state help for other towns

What options are there for eco-friendly funerals in France?

With many more people conscious of environmental damage, we look into biodegradable urns and cardboard coffins

Are there any financial aids for buying an electric bike in France?

The French government wishes to encourage people to cycle more through a series of different measures

'I am an ecologist and believe in the power of nuclear'

Climate expert Jean-Marc Jancovici explains why he thinks France should keep nuclear power at the top of its energy agenda

Major supermarkets in France to stop giving paper receipts at till

Système U and Carrefour hypermarkets will offer receipts on demand or by email

Use of pesticides has ‘exploded’ in France in past decade

A new, but controversial, study reported a 25% rise - although detractors claim the study left out a year's data

Eco protest at Tropicalia greenhouse site in north France

The controversial Tropicalia site is set to be ‘the world’s biggest greenhouse’ and attract 500,000 visitors per year, but eco campaigners are not happy

‘Calmer, safer, greener’: Paris to cut parking spaces by 50%

70,000 parking spaces will be removed, with a new website inviting Parisians to suggest what should replace the spaces

France to tax polluting vehicles that weigh over 1,800 kg

The tax will apply to vehicles such as SUVs, but will not apply to electric or hybrid models

Bordeaux: Mayor cancels Christmas trees in city

The ecologically-minded mayor will not decorate Bordeaux with “dead trees” this festive season, he has said, claiming they go against his “concept of re-vegetation” for the city.

Heatwaves 'will radically change the landscape of France’

The first half of 2020 was the hottest in France since records began, with temperatures averaging 1.8C higher than usual levels. If temperatures continue to rise, by 2050 France could be a very different country.

The eco-friendly French family preparing to live 'off-grid'

The coronavirus pandemic and confinement has made many people think about the way we live, such as this family who, as the 'world faces collapse', are preparing to live their lives off-grid.

Nabila Ramdani: Paris' cycle city plan 'dangerously chaotic'

Turning Paris into a cycle city might make it cleaner but it won’t make it safer, says Connexion columnist.

France bans outdoor terrace heaters for ecological reasons

France is to ban outdoor heaters in public spaces and café and restaurant terraces, as the ecology minister calls them an “ecological aberration”.

RE-OPENS TODAY: Explore the gardens of Les Jardins Secrets

From tumbleweed farm to Jardin Remarquable – Connexion marvels at the extraordinary Jardins Secrets.

Environmental news in France: July

In this month's round up of the environmental news making headlines in France, we talk air quality, beekeeping, and the new must-buy eco-friendly rosé from the Loire.

New mayor plans to make Bordeaux car-free

The new mayor of Bordeaux (Gironde, Nouvelle-Aquitaine), Pierre Hurmic, is moving “towards a ban” on cars in the city, he has said.

French President drops climate idea to lower motorway speed

French President Emmanuel Macron has said that he will consider nearly all of the proposals put forward by the citizens’ Climate Convention, except three - including a reduction to the motorway speed limit.

Positive environmental news in France: June

In this month's round up of the positive environmental news making headlines in France, we talk waste, pesticide use, and solar panels on a supermarket.

French climate change convention to vote this weekend

A “Climate Change Convention” of 150 randomly-selected members of the public in France is to vote on proposals to combat climate change this weekend - including on the issues of housing, transport, and work.

Plastic-eating enzyme ‘revolutionises recycling’

A French company whose plastic-eating enzyme technology could revolutionise recycling is due to have a plant up and running by next year.

France invests €20m in a post-Covid bike revolution

A €20 million plan has been launched to encourage people to get on their bikes as a safer way to travel post-confinement.

Farmers can spray pesticides within 5m of rural homes

Nature and ecology groups supported by about 100 mayors have lost an urgent legal challenge to laws allowing farmers to spray weedkiller and pesticides close to homes in the French countryside.

French eco groups warn against mask sea pollution

Non-biodegradable surgical masks and latex gloves used in the fight against Covid-19 are already polluting the Mediterranean coast in France, with the problem only just beginning, anti-pollution groups have warned.

Nice ‘small’ extension has 5m litre fuel storage

Green groups have lodged legal protests against plans for a “small building extension” at Nice Airport, saying it really means an extra terminal, a five million-litre kerosene store and a large car park.

Green news in France: March 2020

A monthly update on environmental events and occurrences in France: opposition to luxury club, ex- ecology minister rues time in power, Coming together for biodiversity and Cotton bud maker’s paper success

Green is buzzword for France’s local elections

Green issues have taken centre stage in this month’s local elections in France – including for the mayor of Paris.

French national parks may start charging entry fees

Visitors to national parks in France may soon need to pay to enter, some specialists have said, in a “completely taboo” suggestion prompted by what some see as a lack of funding.

France restricts Mont-Blanc access to protect mountain

President Emmanuel Macron is to announce measures today to restrict access to Mont-Blanc, to guard against unscrupulous summit attempts, and to protect the biodiversity of the mountain.

France launches environment score system for clothes

Clothes sold in France may now display a “score” from A to E that shows how environmentally friendly the garment is, in a new system launched by the government.

British couple’s sustainable success with permaculture

The Connexion meets a hands-on couple in Brittany who have achieved permaculture success and improved biodiversity

Green news in France: January 2020

A monthly update on environmental events and occurrences in France: fund for pesticide-exposed workers, acid river spill, Europacity, co-prop coop and a solar car plant.....

Lorries confirm more fuel tax blockades across France

Road transport workers and lorry drivers are planning 15 blockades across France this weekend in protest at the government’s plans to change fuel taxation laws in 2020.

Help save French forests

In Corrèze, an association called Faîte et Racines ( tinyurl.com/vvdlno7 ) is trying to crowd-fund a project to save some hectares of local forest from what it calls “ coupes razes ”, where parcels of land are sold to companies who remove established woodland.

Working with nature

A sea-change in our attitude towards our natural world needs to take place if our planet is to be saved.

‘Flying taxi’ test in Paris stopped by river police

The first “flying taxis” have been tested on the River Seine in Paris this week - but not before being interrupted on their first day by the river police.

Green news in France: August 2019

European MPs call for more night trains from France

Night trains across Europe, including to and from France, could become more common after an open letter from French and German MPs called for more services to reduce reliance on aeroplanes.

Site helps drivers in France to swap car for eco model

Drivers in France are being encouraged to exchange their cars for a more eco-friendly vehicle - and save money in the process - with a new website set up by the government to help calculate the costs.

More expenses scandal allegations hit French minister

French former minister, François de Rugy, who stood down from his post this week after alleged inappropriate use of public funds, is now further accused of using a State driver for private trips.

Plastic waste on way back to France

Tonnes of plastic waste are being sent back to France after Malaysia, the world’s biggest importer, closed its doors.

Tax cuts and green pledges for government’s Act 2

Tax cuts for 12 million families, pension reform and urgent action on the environment were among key promises by the prime minister as he launched the second half of the Macron presidency.

Paris to build eco ‘urban forest’ in four key areas

A new “urban forest” is to be built in Paris, across “four symbolic locations” of the city, mayor Anne Hidalgo has announced.

Tallest ever ‘eco’ wooden building opens in France

The tallest apartment building ever to be made almost entirely of wood in France has opened in Strasbourg, aiming to show the eco-friendliness of the construction method.

Green news in France - April 2019

An update on environmental events and occurrences in France: flora under threat, supermarket advertising leaflets and action on agriculture

An optimistic look at future of France’s wildlife

Its unique location means France has the greatest variety of plant and animal life in Europe, noted biologist and film maker Stéphane Durand explains to Jane Hanks

Green news in France - March 2019

An update on environmental events and occurrences in France: eco-responsible eateries, pesticide warning and waste dumping.....

Gazelle going where no car-maker has gone before

A French start-up has a fresh idea – to design a lightweight and thus fuel-efficient car which can easily be converted into an electric version and then to sell complete factories to make the cars to countries with no motor factories.

Stand up for historic forests or face wasteland

Forestry workers have taken to the streets to raise awareness of the “dangerous industrialisation” of woodland.

Restaurants ‘must offer doggy bags’

Restaurants, cafés and bistros across France will be obliged to supply diners with “doggy-bags” if requested from July 2021, under a new law to reduce food waste.

Fuel militants have to change their ways

A death and multiple severe injuries were the horrific consequences of illegal road blockades by French car owners protesting at rising fuel prices.

Anger at fuel prices: why the rise?

Around 280,000 people, the self-named gilets jaunes (yellow vests), took to the roads across France on November 17 to protest at fuel price rises, although it widened into a general protest at taxes.

Diesels face stricter CT tests in pollution crackdown

Owners of diesel vehicles face stiffer new contrôle technique tests from January 1... the second major change to the French MOT in eight months and aimed at ridding streets of vehicles putting out black smoke.

‘In the end, the power of love is all’

As one of France’s most admired environmentalists, Pierre Rabhi advocates a simplified existence in order to live a sustainable, happy life. Jane Hanks falls under the sage’s spell in an exclusive interview

Starsky and Hutch on French eco-mission

A retired British fireman is cycling around France with his dog, telling school pupils about how everyday awareness can help save the environment.

Rowing coach’s electric boat cleans water as it moves

Seen nipping up and down the River Saône in Lyon, the Neptunéo electric catamaran owes its origins to a long-standing problem... but can prevent others for the future.

Meet French ecologist Yann Arthus-Bertrand

The time for talking about saving the planet needs to be replaced by action – and we are all responsible, ecologist and aerial photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand tells Jane Hanks

Cut French energy bills or face penalty on house sale

Ministers are looking at copying the anti-pollution bonus-malus system for buying cars and re-targeting it at house-owners to encourage them to improve home insulation and energy efficiency.

Halogen bulbs no longer sold in France from September

Halogen light bulbs will no longer be allowed to be sold in France from September 1 this year, under new EU regulation.

Moth beaten

In response to ‘VT’s question on pyrale de buis , there is a misconception that the treatments available commercially are chemical-based.

France plans single-use plastic ban as movement grows

French MP and environmental activist Nicolas Hulot is planning to ban dozens of single-use plastic objects in France by 2025, in a bid to replace them with biodegradable alternatives.

Ecologists don’t stop where profit begins

Eco activist Yannick Jadot savaged the government for failing to ban glyphosate and buckling under to the agro-chemical lobby but such direct challenges are normal for a man who led Greenpeace campaigns against nuclear arms. The Europe Ecologie MEP tells Samantha David of the need for a green society that makes everyday life better

Major plans for shifting sands

At the surfer’s paradise of Lacanau (Gironde), experts predict that the coastline will retreat 65 metres by 2040 and 165 metres by 2100 due to erosion – and local authorities have identified two possible remedies to protect the town.