Sketch: Paris Metropole - becoming carbon-neutral by 2050
The Paris Climate Action Plan sets an ambitious target for an inclusive and resilient carbon-neutral city by 2050. Leonard and Shell have developed scenarios exploring what it might take to get there. Key lessons emerge that could help drive change.
Cities connect global dilemmas with local realities. They have powerful levers to guide transitions.
The City of Paris has embraced this responsibility and set an admirable and ambitious objective to be carbon-neutral by 2050. To achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Action Plan, transformation must be broad – extending beyond the city to include neighbouring departments.
The Paris Metropole will need to tackle multiple social and environmental challenges over the next two decades. The scale of adaptation is immense. Equally, there is cause for enthusiasm and optimism, as the work that lies ahead could be an inspiration for others.
This sketch explores three scenarios: Green Tech Evolution, The Blame Game and Paving the Way. Each describes different visions of the future for the Paris Metropole – considering shifting socioeconomic, political and technological forces.
Explore how the Paris Metropole might navigate the decades ahead as it works to become carbon-neutral by 2050.
Green Tech Evolution
France vigorously pursues its ambitious plans to become Europe’s leading technology innovation and start-up nation, which eventually opens up a greener economic future. The main driver in pursuing climate friendly innovation is the economy. But change is only incremental, so coordinated government policy is required to speed up the energy transition to become climate neutral by 2050.
The Blame Game
Longer-term climate-related policy decisions are placed on hold as immediate social and economic problems take priority. Inevitable extreme weather events increasingly hurt the most vulnerable in the Paris Metropole. Growing mistrust turns to anger and activism. Eventually, demands for action to address equality and climate change result in a sustainable and inclusive economic growth model.
Paving the Way
Local city mayors and communities collaborate to design evidence-based policy options that address climate change within the Paris Metropole. Choices are spurred by citizens’ concerns over climate and an awareness that connects well-being, health, climate and inequality, drawing all segments of society into the debate that results in steady and effective progress.
