Climate and environmental challenges
Today, we have a better understanding of the origins of climate and environmental disruption, thanks to the work that scientists have carried out over the last few decades. We also have a better understanding of the actions that need to be taken to limit these disruptions. Here are some key figures and links to help you answer any questions that you may have.
key figures
+ 1.5 to 5°C
Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the global warming caused by human activity is estimated to be 1°C, and the IPCC predicts an increase of between 1.5 and 5°C by the end of the century. It is imperative to limit this increase to 2°C.
90%
If current trend continues, almost 90% of the Earth’s coral reefs could disappear by 2050. This would affect the entire marine ecosystem.
2050
To limit global warming to 1.5°C, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions need to be reduced to achieve a balance between emissions and absorption by 2050. This is known as carbon neutrality.
69%
Vertebrate populations have already declined by 69% between 1970 and 2018.
If the current rate of GHG emissions continues, this decline could worsen and lead to the extinction of many species by 2050.
1.4 Billion
According to the IPCC, if GHG emissions continue to rise at the current rate, sea levels could rise by 1.1m by 2100, potentially putting more than 1.4 billion people at risk.
1 August 2024
1 August 2024 is known as ‘Overshoot Day’. In just 213 days, we consumed a year’s worth of our planet’s resources.
In Europe, ‘Overshoot Day’ took place on 3 May 2024.
68%
Although greenhouse gas emissions in Europe fell by 28% between 1990 and 2019, global emissions increased by 68% during this period.
They continue to rise to this day.
2%
According to the IPCC, agricultural production is set to decline by 2% per decade over the next few years.
The world’s population increases by 10% per decade.
2 tCO2
To achieve carbon neutrality in France by 2050, we will need to reduce the emissions per person from 10 tCO2/year to less than 2 tCO2/year.
For reference, a return flight from Paris to New York produces around 1 tCO2 per passenger.
resources for videos, articles and files
To help you better understand climate and environmental issues, here are a few articles, videos and files to get you started. You can read more on certain issues using the ‘Further Reading’ section.
Articles
Global Warming
Eau France | 10 minutes | Climate, imbalance and climate change
What is Climate Change About?
ADEME | 5 minutes | Infographics on climate change
Causes of Climate Change
European Union | 3 minutes | What is causing climate change?
The Massive Decline of Biodiversity
Le Monde | 5 minutes | The state of biodiversity worldwide
The Biodiversity Footprint of Business
France Stratégie | 5 minutes | The causes and consequences of biodiversity loss
Arguments from Sceptics
Skeptical Science | 5 minutes | Science responds to sceptics
Files
Global Warming in 10 Questions
ADEME | 15 minutes
Climate and the Greenhouse Effect
Météo France | 30 minutes | Global warming and its impacts
The Environment
Government| 30+ minutes | Environmental data and studies
Key Climate Figures
MTECT Datalab | 30 minutes | Overview of the main data relating to climate change
General Public Report
Haut Conseil pour le Climat | 30 minutes | Public version of the annual Carbon Neutrality report of May 2024
Websites
Le climat en questions
Scientific answers to the most frequently asked questions about climate change
CeRISE
Resource and Information Centre on the Environment for Secondary Schools
Global Carbon Project
Quantifying greenhouse gas emissions and their causes
Our World in Data
Profile of greenhouse gas emissions by country
Courses
Online Environmental Course
Courses at the Virtual University for Environmental and Sustainable Development (UVED)
Climate and Environment Course
Ministry of Education and Youth initiative to access online courses
Understanding the World of Energy
Mines ParisTech course on the key elements for understanding the complex world of energy. 2019.
EarthDNA's Climate 101
MIT Earth Science: Climate Studies and Environment Courses
College of Sustainable Development Directors
Understanding the ecological crisis to reinvent businesses
Office for Climate Education
Accessible educational resources on climate and the environment