COP17 highlights biodiversity concerns

At COP17, held in Armenia from October 19 to 30, 2025, French Minister Monique Barbut stressed the need for science-based policies to protect biodiversity. However, critics argue that President Emmanuel Macron’s government has ignored scientific advice in its environmental policies.

Pesticide laws contradict scientific warnings

In 2025 and 2026, France passed laws such as the Duplomb law and the agricultural emergency law, which allowed the use of pesticides like acetamiprid and flupyradifurone. These chemicals have been linked to harm for pollinators, yet the government proceeded despite scientific concerns.

Environmental indicators under scrutiny

Critics accuse the government of manipulating environmental data, such as adjusting metrics in the Ecophyto plan to falsely show a reduction in pesticide use. Similar tactics were used in 2017, when small streams were removed from maps to avoid pollution accountability.

Marine protection lacks real commitment

France pledged to protect 30% of its marine areas but critics say this fails to prevent destructive practices like deep-sea trawling. The government’s definition of “strong protection” does not match international standards set by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Reforestation efforts face criticism

A government-backed billion-tree planting project has been linked to clear-cutting forests to plant resin-producing monocultures. A new decree on hedges does not protect them but instead allows their destruction under the guise of preservation.

Science and research face budget cuts

Scientists warn that government policies are reducing funding for biodiversity research and shifting resources toward technology, such as artificial intelligence. This shift delays essential changes in environmental practices and challenges existing agricultural models.

Deregulation of pesticides raises concerns

The European legislative package, Omnibus X, has drawn criticism for potentially easing pesticide regulations and introducing new "genetic pesticides" with unknown environmental effects. French scientists are alarmed by the lack of government opposition to this legislation.