Lecornu appeals to the CESE to accelerate France's adaptation to climate change

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has asked the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) for its opinion on how to accelerate France's adaptation to climate change. The conclusions of this mission are expected in January 2027.

This referral does not alter the timetable announced by the government. The Minister for Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, and International Climate and Nature Negotiations, Monique Barbut, is due to present new measures at the end of the month aimed at accelerating the third National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PNACC-3). The approach entrusted to the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) is "complementary," according to the Prime Minister's office.

Funding for adaptation is at the heart of the mission

In a letter addressed to Claire Thoury, president of the CESE, Sébastien Lecornu asks the consultative body "to enlighten the government on the challenges and levers for accelerating" adaptation to climate change.

The EESC will notably have to examine "medium and long-term financing needs," "the transition of the agricultural sector," and the methods for sharing water resources. Its work will involve the various components of civil society represented within the institution, including trade unions, businesses, and associations.

The building and infrastructure directly concerned

The government aims to accelerate the implementation of the PNACC-3 in several sectors particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. The expected measures will notably concern buildings, transportation, agriculture, water, forestry, education, and working conditions.

For construction professionals, this work could have significant implications for adapting buildings to extreme heat, the resilience of infrastructure, climate risk prevention, and related investment needs. However, the details of the measures and their funding have not yet been finalized.

Sébastien Lecornu had asked Monique Barbut to "identify by the beginning of October measures to accelerate the implementation" of the plan, in consultation with all stakeholders.

85% of the actions undertaken by the PNACC-3

The head of government indicates that 85% of the actions planned under the PNACC-3, published in March 2025, "are underway." He believes, however, that the climatic events that occurred this year "show that our country must accelerate its preparation for harsher climatic conditions."

The summer heatwaves highlighted the country's persistent difficulties in adapting its buildings, infrastructure, economic activities and public services to the intensification of climate hazards.

An economic risk estimated at 3,6% of GDP in 2050

The French Treasury estimates that, without additional adaptation and mitigation measures, climate change could reduce French gross domestic product by 3,6% in 2050, compared to a scenario corresponding to the level of warming already reached today.

This estimate is based on a global warming scenario of 2°C by 2050. It primarily takes into account a decline in labor productivity and increased capital depreciation. The French Treasury Department specifies that these assumptions remain subject to revision.

Adaptation to climate change is also to be discussed at a government seminar on Thursday. The budget and the proposed comprehensive law against sexual and gender-based violence against women and children are also on the agenda.