Environmental Group Criticizes "Far Too Insufficient Legislation"
The French National Assembly is discussing ways to respond to climate change [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Domestic flights in France covering routes that can be traveled by train within 2 hours and 30 minutes are expected to be banned in the future.
On the 4th (local time), the French National Assembly adopted the "Climate and Resilience Bill," proposed by the government with this content, with 322 votes in favor, 77 against, and 145 abstentions. This bill, having passed the lower house, is scheduled to be discussed in the Senate next month.
This bill will affect domestic flights connecting Paris Orly Airport with Nantes, Lyon, and Bordeaux airports. Air France announced in May last year that it would not operate flights on routes where the train travel time is within 2 hours and 30 minutes.
After over 110 hours of debate, this bill, which passed the first legislative hurdle, includes rules to be observed in everyday life such as homes, schools, and shops. Houses with low energy efficiency ratings will be banned from being rented out starting in 2028, and public schools are required to offer at least one vegetarian menu per week. Additionally, from April 2022, gas heaters are prohibited on outdoor terraces of restaurants and cafes, and supermarkets are ordered to minimize packaging to reduce plastic use.
A system will also be introduced to grade and label carbon emissions generated during the production of clothing, furniture, and electronic products.
By 2030, the sale of new cars emitting more than 123g of carbon dioxide per kilometer will be phased out, and tax benefits previously provided for diesel cars will be removed.
Those who deliberately pollute water, air, or soil can be prosecuted under the charge of "ecocide," and if found guilty, they will be responsible for restoration.
However, environmental activists criticize the bill as grossly insufficient.
Jean-Fran?ois Julliard, head of Greenpeace France, said, "This might have been lawful 15 years ago," and criticized it as "insufficient to effectively combat global warming in 2021."
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