Citepa, the organization responsible for measuring French greenhouse gas emissions, recently published data showing the level of these emissions in each municipality in France, for each of the major sectors of activity (transport , industry, agriculture, etc.). These data remind us that the 370 to 400 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent emitted in France in recent years have not been emitted uniformly across the territory.
Greenhouse gas emissions distributed unevenly
The map below, which represents the levels of greenhouse gas emissions of each French municipality in 2021 (date of the latest available data), shows that the large metropolises, the large industrial centers and the municipalities where major roads, are those where the largest quantities of these gases responsible for global warming are emitted.
Note that these figures do not say much, if anything, about the individual attitude of the inhabitants of the areas concerned since the Citepa data relates to the territory, and not to the people who live there, who have polluting practices elsewhere than in their place of residence.
Read also: MAP. These French municipalities where the largest quantities of greenhouse gases are emitted
Transport: high emissions in road or airport communities
If we focus only on emissions linked to transport, the largest source of emissions in France (34% of the total), we see without surprise that the national emissions map highlights the road network quite clearly, proof of the influence of the individual car on emissions and therefore global warming.
But, in detail, it is often the municipalities hosting an airport which are at the top of the ranking of the municipalities with the most emissions in terms of transport. Which also highlights the role of aviation in global warming.
Read also: MAP. In which municipalities does transport emit the most greenhouse gases in France?
Agriculture: livestock land with high emissions
When we focus only on emissions linked to agriculture (around 20% of total French emissions), we see that the Great West hosts a large number of municipalities with high emissions.
This is not necessarily a surprise because the West is a land of livestock. However, this sector is particularly emitting, in particular because of the methane released by the digestive system of cattle. It is also its breeding tropism which gives Auvergne its high level of greenhouse gas emissions.
Read also: CARDS. Where does agriculture emit the most greenhouse gases in France?
Industry and energy: highly polluting sectors
The map relating to greenhouse gas emissions from the industrial and energy sectors (26% of French emissions combined) suggests that municipalities with high emissions in this area are often located around large metropolises, near major rivers or at proximity to port facilities, which traditionally host numerous industrial sites.
In detail, the municipalities where industrial emissions are the highest are those where metallurgical sites, chemical factories or oil refineries are located.
Read also: MAP. In which municipalities does industry emit the most greenhouse gases in France?
By way of summary, Colas Robert, expert at Citepa, explains that in France, greenhouse gas emissions “are mainly linked to transport, industry, buildings and agriculture. Therefore, municipalities located in and around large metropolises, which concentrate emissions from transport, buildings and certain industrial emissions, are high-emitting areas. Municipalities hosting heavy industry such as steel, cement or refining are also among the areas that emit the most greenhouse gases. »
