By revising and renewing its Climate Action Plan, Paris is working to reduce energy use and promote renewable energy generation, while preparing the city for the long-term effects of climate change.
The Challenge
The Paris Climate Action Plan was initially developed in 2007 in response to heat waves, flooding, and water scarcity caused by climate change. With energy consumption expected to increase and temperatures expected to rise, the city has renewed its commitment with new measures in order to promote renewable energy generation and reduce energy use, creating a climate resilient and livable city for Parisians.
The Solution
Paris’ Climate Action Plan was renewed in 2012 and covers six main themes: low-energy urban planning; energy efficient and affordable housing; the service industry; low-carbon transport; sustainable consumption; and the city’s first adaptation strategy. Since 2012, specific roadmaps on housing, commercial development, and adaptation have been published, in addition to the creation of web tools for citizens. The ultimate goal of the Climate Action Plan is to achieve a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption by 2020. By the same year, one-quarter of energy consumed in the city should be powered by renewable or recovered energy. So far, the plan is already achieving impressive results. By 2014, 75% of energy production in Paris came from renewable sources, and by the end of 2015, 80% of the plan’s initiatives had been launched and the city had succeeded in reducing greenhouse emissions by 10%. With yearly reports released to monitor progress, Paris hopes that this large scale plan will lay the groundwork for a more resilient and climate-proof future.
Environmental Benefits – So far 5,000 trees have been planted as part of the plan, increasing biodiversity.
Social Benefits – More than 55,000 housing units will be refurbished under the Paris Climate Action Plan, reducing energy consumption and saving tenants money through lower utility bills.
Economic Benefits – $1 billion was invested to retrofit housing under the plan, creating about 5,000 jobs.
Health Benefits – The plan aims to reduce atmospheric pollutants by at least 50 % by 2020, improving the respiratory health of Parisians.
About Cities100
In its second year, Cities100 – presented by C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), Sustainia and Realdania – showcases leading solutions to urban climate challenges in ten sectors, ranging from solid waste management to transportation. For the first time, this year’s publication features solutions that address the nexus of climate change and social equity.
Available online and in print, Cities100 provides stakeholders an accessible format to explore achievable solutions for climate action in cities, and will be a useful tool for relevant groups ranging from impact investors and development organizations, to mayors and city governments. You can access the full Cities100 2016 publication online here and read more about how mayors will deliver the aims of the Paris Agreement in a foreward by Anne Hidalgo, C40 Chair and Mayor of Paris, here.
- Benefits
- Economic
- Environmental
- Health
- Social
- Key Impact
- 25% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2020 under the plan