French parl approves bill on climate crisis

PARIS: France’s National Assembly on Tuesday approved a wide-ranging climate change bill that will prevent future airport expansions, prohibit openair terrace heaters and reduce packaging waste.

France aims to cut greenhouse emissions by 40% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels but environmental activists say it is dragging its feet. In a landmark ruling in February, a court ruled France must do more to combat the climate crisis.

After more than 200 hours of debate in parliamentary commissions and the lower house, MPs okayed the bill by 332 to 77.

“Rather than big words and huge and unachievable objectives that only generate social resistance, we are putting in place effective measures,” environment minister Barbara Pompili told the chamber. The legislation follows a citizens consultation during which 150 members of the public drew up a list of dozens of measures to curb emissions.