Environment
See also: Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, National parks of France and Regional natural parks of France
Regional (green) and National (red) natural parks in France
France was one of the first countries to create an environment ministry, in 1971.[64] Although it is one of the most industrialised countries in the world, France is ranked only 17th by carbon dioxide emissions, behind less populous nations such as Canada or Australia. This is due to France's decision to invest in nuclear power following the 1973 oil crisis,[65] which now accounts for 75% of its electricity production[66] and results in less pollution.[67][68]
Like all European Union members, France agreed to cut carbon emissions by at least 20% of 1990 levels by the year 2020,[69] compared to the U.S. plan to reduce emissions by 4% of 1990 levels.[70] As of 2009, French carbon dioxide emissions per capita were lower than that of China's.[71] The country was set to impose a carbon tax in 2009 at 17 Euros per tonne of carbon emitted,[72] which would have raised 4 billion Euros of revenue annually.[73] However, the plan was abandoned due to fears of burdening French businesses.[74]
Forests account for 28% of France's land area,[75][76] and are some of the most diverse in Europe, comprising more than 140 species of trees.[77] There are nine national parks[78] and 46 natural parks in France,[79] with the government planning to convert 20% of its Exclusive Economic Zone into a Marine Protected Area by 2020.[80]
According to the 2012 Environmental Performance Index conducted by Yale and Columbia, France was the sixth-most environmentally conscious country in the world, one place higher than the previous report in 2010.[81][82]