National energy policy and fight against the greenhouse effect

The fight against climate change will only be effective if it leads to cutting of greenhouse gas emissions by half, even though emissions from developing countries will be increasing considerably. It is therefore essential that emissions from the developed countries reduce. This article presents a scenario for reducing French emissions of carbonic gases by two-thirds over thirty years. The target of reducing by two-thirds could be achieved without totally unacceptable alterations in behaviour. Instead of increasing by 1 to 2 % per annum, ultimate energy consumption must stabilize, a historic change no doubt but one, which thanks to technological advances, does not preclude an improvement in heating comfort levels nor an increase of 30 to 40 % in the distances travelled by road or by air. On the other hand, there would be profound chances in energy producing and consuming equipment, which would generate a significant amount of activity in the economic sector. This would be activity related to the national territory and therefore not capable of be delocalized. Moreover, security of supply would be considerably improved because our economy could continue to function, even without any supplies of gas or petrol. It would obviously be preferable if France were not the only country to apply such a policy but the scenario shows that it could significantly reduce its emissions even if it were the only country to do so, because, for the most part, the measures to be taken fall under its own responsibility and, compared to the GDP are relatively moderate in cost. Our country could therefore, at the very least, take a leading position and be capable of training other countries. (authors)