COP30 Faces the Emergency: Humanity’s Survival at Stake
• In response to the worsening climate crisis, civil society and several NGOs have issued a collective statement calling for ambitious international commitments at COP30 and the Leaders Summit in November 2025.
• The UN report, the low water level of Lake Dukan, violence against environmental defenders, and the lack of ambition from France and the European Union have highlighted major challenges for businesses and society.
• The key issue lies in the strict application of the Paris Agreement and the legal obligation to align public policies with the 1.5°C target, to avoid a profound and irreversible global climatic transformation.
Source: Reporterre – “COP30: Humanity’s Survival Is at Stake”
United States Boycotts COP30, a Major Challenge for Climate Action
• The White House announced that under President Donald Trump, the United States would not send any high-level representatives to COP30, scheduled in Belém, Brazil, while Trump reiterated his climate skepticism and confirmed the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.
• This decision has raised concerns over America’s influence in global climate negotiations and the continuity of international policies.
• Despite the boycott, more than a hundred local American officials remain mobilized to represent their country and maintain engagement with other delegations during this key event.
Source: Le Monde – “COP30: Washington Announces No High-Level U.S. Delegation”
Shein at BHV: Between Controversy and Commercial Tension
• On November 5, 2025, Shein was set to open a pop-up store on the sixth floor of BHV in Paris, prompting the mall’s exclusion from several associations following strong political and local opposition.
• Elected officials and the French Minister of Labor denounced the Chinese giant’s production conditions and the economic consequences for the French textile industry.
• Despite controversies surrounding the sale of allegedly pornographic items and criticism over its local impact, Shein confirmed plans to expand its retail presence in major French stores.
Source: Reporterre – “Shein at BHV: Rachida Dati Blames Bike Lanes”
The French Senate Passes a Strict Law Against Ultra-Fast Fashion
• On June 10, 2025, the French Senate adopted by a large majority a law imposing financial sanctions on ultra-fast fashion companies such as Shein, Temu, and Zara, in response to their environmental impact and the surge of disposable clothing imports.
• The law introduces consumer information requirements, bans targeted advertising, and allows fines of up to 50% of the pre-tax price, likely to influence brand strategies and French consumer behavior.
• Designed to reduce competitive pressure on domestic brands, the legislation aims to promote environmental standards and pave the way for potential EU-level regulatory adaptations.
Source: Happy Eco News – “French Fast Fashion Law Could Reshape European Clothing Market”
The European Union Out of Balance with Its 2040 Climate Goals
• On November 5, 2025, the European Union finalized an agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 (compared to 1990 levels), while delaying for one year the extension of the carbon market to road transport and buildings.
• The deal included compromises such as easing deforestation rules and postponing the ban on new combustion-engine vehicles to 2035, to preserve unity and send a strong signal to businesses.
• This direction aims to balance the EU’s environmental ambitions with the adaptation margins available to economic players in the ongoing transition.
Source: Novethic – “EU Climate Target 2040: A Strong Signal to Businesses”
The Aude Department Faces Extreme Drought from Climate Change
• In 2025, the Aude region experienced persistent drought, record temperatures, and wildfires, exemplified by the drying up of the Sou River—once a perennial stream—affecting livestock and local vegetation.
• This water scarcity caused tree dieback and early declines in milk production, showing severe water stress for farms.
• Aude thus found itself on the front line of climate disruption in France, posing a major challenge for territorial resilience.
Source: Le Monde – “Now Water Is Scarce: Aude at the Frontline of France’s Climate Crisis”
Delays and Obstacles Persist in Reimbursing Menstrual Products
• In March 2023, Élisabeth Borne promised the reimbursement of reusable menstrual products for those under 26, but as of 2025, the measure remains unimplemented, leaving individuals to cover these costs despite a reduced VAT since 2016.
• Menstrual poverty affected 4 million people in 2023, worsened by other healthcare expenses, while real progress on menstrual leave has been blocked by administrative and legislative decisions.
• The article calls for extending coverage and establishing a “true social security for menstruation” to ensure lasting equality and fight sexist prejudices.
Source: Reporterre – “Reimbursement of Menstrual Products: A Broken Macronist Promise”
TotalEnergies Warns of a Fractured World and Climate Overshoot
• On November 4, 2025, TotalEnergies published its annual “Energy Outlook” report, revealing that global oil demand will continue to rise until 2040 and that fossil fuels will still make up 60% of the global energy mix by 2050.
• CEO Patrick Pouyanné stated that keeping global warming below 2°C, as per the Paris Agreement, now appears “out of reach” due to the difficulty of worldwide coordination amid growing geopolitical fragmentation.
• This scenario would lead to a temperature rise of 2.6 to 2.8°C by the end of the century, dramatically worsening the climate situation.
Source: Le Monde – “TotalEnergies Predicts Oil and Gas Demand Will Keep Rising Until 2040”
Banning Tobacco Sales for Future Generations: Liberticide or Lifesaver?
• Green MP Nicolas Thierry has proposed a law banning tobacco sales to anyone born after 2014, with a gradual increase in the legal smoking age starting in 2032, supported by several political groups and the Anti-Tobacco Alliance.
• The bill aims to cut preventable deaths linked to tobacco, combat global deforestation, soil and water pollution, and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.
• The initiative seeks to transform the tobacconist business model and make public health prevail over commercial freedom by establishing a “tobacco-free generation.”
Source: Reporterre – “Banning Tobacco for the Young? Addiction Is the Opposite of Freedom”
Citizen and Parliamentary Protests Over the Duplomb Law
• Adopted in July 2025, the Duplomb Law regulating the use of neonicotinoids has sparked major public opposition: a petition with 2 million signatures led the Economic Affairs Committee to review it on November 5, 2025.
• Lawmakers raised serious concerns about health risks, biodiversity, and the lack of impact studies when the law was passed, calling for greater citizen consideration and transparency.
• A public debate before the end of the year—without a vote—was required, paving the way for potential regulatory adjustments and new parliamentary initiatives to strengthen environmental and health standards.
Source: Reporterre – “Duplomb Law: The Battle in Parliament Is Far from Over”
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