For my next sustainable city, I am moving to the home of the Impressionists and incredible bread! You guessed it, Paris! As the home of the Paris Agreement, a document signed by most countries who are committing to reducing greenhouse gases beginning in the year 2020, Paris serves as the center of the international conversation on sustainability. But how does the city fare outside of this agreement?
A consolidated effort by Paris’s previous president Nicolas Sarkozy, in the aftermath of the Kyoto Agreement, led Paris to expand its’ transit system throughout the suburbs surrounding the city. This reduces the city’s carbon footprint by minimizing the need for commuters to use cars when coming into the city of Paris from the suburbs. As a city that has struggled with smog, Paris also plans to ban high-polluting cars (diesel fueled) from entering the city by 2020. In order to limit the burden on low-income citizens, who will be most affected by the ban, Paris is offering a number of alternatives including a subsidy for electric scooters or free access to city bike-share.
In 2017, Paris opened the Parc Rives de Seine, a green space expressway equipped with a large park. In addition, there are a number of sustainable food options, including a store selling green Parisian tourist products available on the expressway! The Parc Rives de Seine offers a serene getaway from the hustle and bustles of central Paris, which is often characterized by consistent car horns blaring. Whether you want to people watch from an organic cafe or go for a run, the Parc Rives de Seine offers it all!
Paris has always set itself apart by being such a magical city, but they are working hard to make their mark on the sustainability community as well!
Written by Emma Briggs, Class of 2018
Photo Source: Pexels