Pollution

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Pesticide use rises again in France, especially for PFAS chemicals

Amid the lack of a recent update to the government's longstanding pesticide-use indicator, the advocacy group Générations Futures released its own calculation Thursday, based on product sales data and using the official methodology.

Published on June 25, 2026, at 9:37 pm (Paris), updated on June 26, 2026, at 8:02 am Stéphane Foucart Stéphane Mandard

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'Civil society could become a powerless observer of the deterioration of water, an irreplaceable common good'

The unraveling of environmental law is not only weakening standards, but is also slowly dismantling the framework for local democracy, writes Le Monde journalist Stéphane Foucart.

Published on June 21, 2026, at 2:13 am (Paris) Stéphane Foucart

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Air quality and global warming: Moving beyond an apparent paradox

For several decades, many countries have reduced air pollution, improving public health. However, the decrease in sulfur aerosols, particles that reflect the sun's rays, has intensified global warming.

Published on June 15, 2026, at 9:55 pm (Paris), updated on June 16, 2026, at 8:07 am Audrey Garric

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French MPs back bill to reduce cadmium exposure

The bill presented by the Green group in the Assemblée Nationale aims to reduce the maximum level of cadmium authorized in phosphate fertilizers to 20 mg/kg by 2030, compared to 90 mg/kg today.

Published on June 4, 2026, at 3:56 pm (Paris) Stéphane Mandard

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'Most PFAS emissions in Europe come from air conditioners and heat pumps'

The debate over these chemical substances is being reignited within the European Union, as machines designed to help adapt to climate change come under fire, historian Jean-Baptiste Fressoz notes in his column.

Published on June 4, 2026, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on June 4, 2026, at 6:01 pm Jean-Baptiste Fressoz

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French lawmakers say state shares blame for chlordecone pesticide scandal

A bill, which passed unanimously, requires the state to decontaminate soil polluted by the pesticide chlordecone. Over 90% of adults in the French overseas territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe are contaminated by the pesticide.

Published on June 3, 2026, at 10:05 am (Paris), updated on June 3, 2026, at 10:32 am Le Monde with AFP

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After cadmium, French doctors warn of drinking water pollution, another 'major public health issue'

In an open letter to the government, the National Conference of Regional Unions of Health Professionals highlights the threat posed by drinking water pollution from pesticides, PFAS and microplastics. The Medical Research Foundation also calls on public authorities to recognize the links between health and the environment.

Published on June 1, 2026, at 11:29 am (Paris), updated on June 1, 2026, at 1:18 pm Stéphane Foucart Stéphane Mandard

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France faces unprecedented early ozone pollution amid heatwave

Unusually high temperatures in recent days have led to a deterioration in air quality across several regions. NGOs are calling for emergency measures to address this spike in ozone pollution.

Published on May 27, 2026, at 3:25 pm (Paris), updated on May 29, 2026, at 10:40 pm Stéphane Mandard

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'Tom,' the 'climate' whistleblower behind the revelations on KTM motorcycles

A motorcycle enthusiast has decided to reveal information about the systematic derestricting of KTM motorcycles, aiming to push the industry he works in to change its environmental practices.

Published on May 27, 2026, at 10:14 am (Paris) Anne Michel

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Revealed: KTM's secretly derestricted and highly polluting motorcycles

The Austrian manufacturer KTM is facilitating the systematic removal of speed and power restrictions from some of its motorcycles in France and across Europe, making them illegal and highly polluting, according to the investigation 'Unrestricted' by a media consortium including Le Monde.

Published on May 27, 2026, at 10:14 am (Paris) Anne Michel

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France's Constitutional Council overturns decision to scrap low-emission zones

The members of the Constitutional Council struck down 25 articles of the law aimed at streamlining economic life, including the one abolishing low-emission zones, ruling that these provisions were unrelated to the bill's original intent.

Published on May 22, 2026, at 12:37 pm (Paris), updated on May 22, 2026, at 1:02 pm Stéphane Mandard

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Trump eases restrictions on super-pollutants used in air-conditioning and refrigeration

Announcing the easing of curbs on hydrofluorocarbons, the US president said the move would reduce the cost of living for US consumers. His approval ratings are plummeting as disruption to oil supplies from the Iran war drives up prices.

Published on May 21, 2026, at 11:54 pm (Paris), updated on May 22, 2026, at 9:25 am Le Monde with AFP

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PFAS: NGOs sue French state over failure to tackle 'forever chemicals'

NGOs and residents living near contaminated sites filed legal action against the state to remedy the 'ecological harm' caused by its 'culpable inaction.'

Published on May 21, 2026, at 3:15 pm (Paris), updated on May 21, 2026, at 3:19 pm Stéphane Mandard

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First French prototypes that extract CO₂ from the air offer promise and uncertainty

French start-ups and researchers are developing technologies capable of capturing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. While promising on paper, these 'negative emissions' solutions remain costly, uncertain and controversial.

Published on May 9, 2026, at 9:30 am (Paris) Audrey Garric

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How can I create a chemical-free nest for my child?

Ubiquitous in our daily lives, chemical substances prove particularly toxic for young children, starting from pregnancy. Environmental health workshops educate parents on these sources of pollution, and offer solutions to protect their offspring.

Published on May 9, 2026, at 5:30 am (Paris) Cécile Cazenave

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European Commission shelves plan to tighten regulation of chemical products

Promised six years ago as part of the European Union's Green Deal, the revision of the regulation on hazardous chemicals will ultimately not see the light of day. Since the project was announced, industry lobby groups have worked to limit its scope.

Published on May 5, 2026, at 11:51 am (Paris) Stéphane Foucart

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Light pollution dropped sharply in France between 2014 and 2022

While nighttime brightness generally increased worldwide during this period, a new study highlights the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing public lighting.

Published on May 4, 2026, at 10:00 am (Paris) Gary Dagorn

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The battle over France's streetlights

During the municipal elections, numerous right-wing and far-right candidates campaigned against the reduction in street lighting implemented by outgoing left-wing and environmentalist mayors.

Published on May 4, 2026, at 5:00 am (Paris) Sylvia Zappi

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France to reimburse cadmium tests, but doctors warn access is 'too restrictive'

This carcinogenic heavy metal affects most people living in France, but the screening, expected to be reimbursed by the government starting this summer, will be limited to those considered 'potentially overexposed' because of where they live.

Published on April 27, 2026, at 10:27 am (Paris), updated on May 6, 2026, at 2:24 pm Stéphane Mandard

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Cadmium: 'The lack of irrefutable evidence should never be an excuse for inaction'

The polarization of the debate around cadmium exposure stems from a misunderstanding of the role of scientific evidence in public health, write Carl Gaigné and Mathieu Parenti, both experts in agricultural and environmental issues.

Published on April 27, 2026, at 1:40 am (Paris), updated on May 6, 2026, at 2:24 pm Carl Gaigné Mathieu Parenti

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Ban on toxic chemicals stalled by EU's 'limited progress'

The European Environmental Bureau and ClientEarth have considered the number of cases piling up on the European Commission's desk to be 'illegal and unacceptable' in a new report.

Published on April 24, 2026, at 12:51 pm (Paris) Raphaëlle Aubert

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Can we detox our bodies from pollutants like 'forever chemicals'?

Scientists are testing methods to remove certain pollutants from the human body. These methods can be both invasive and costly, and do not prevent renewed exposure to the most widespread environmental toxins.

Published on April 18, 2026, at 12:04 pm (Paris), updated on May 6, 2026, at 2:24 pm Delphine Roucaute

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Paris region air pollution rose in 2025

As French lawmakers voted to eliminate low-emission zones, the independent organization Airparif recorded a slight decline in air quality in the Paris region between 2024 and 2025.

Published on April 16, 2026, at 12:42 pm (Paris), updated on April 16, 2026, at 3:06 pm Stéphane Mandard

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French MPs vote to scrap low-emission zones

The Assemblée Nationale on Tuesday chose to repeal a proposal to implement low-emission zones, the Sénat is likely to do the same on Wednesday. Socialist, Green and centrist MPs said they would refer the matter to the Constitutional Council.

Published on April 15, 2026, at 1:00 pm (Paris) Stéphane Mandard

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'The presence of PFAS in my blood is out of my control': Six Europeans on living in 'forever pollution' hotspots

Being a victim is neither a profession nor their identity. Meta, Cristina, Doris, Stéphanie, Mari and Toon live in PFAS contamination hotspots in six European countries.

Published on April 14, 2026, at 8:30 pm (Paris), updated on April 15, 2026, at 9:42 am Stéphane Horel infographic

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Residents of PFAS-polluted areas turn anger into political action in Brussels

For the first time since the 'forever chemicals' scandal came to light, residents from contamination hotspots across Europe gathered in Brussels in early March to take part in political action training. Le Monde followed that historic moment.

Published on April 9, 2026, at 5:30 am (Paris), updated on April 16, 2026, at 2:48 pm Stéphane Horel

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Pesticides and cancer: For the first time, researchers find a connection at the national level

French researchers have developed a model to map pesticide exposure across Peru to reported cancer clusters. They demonstrate a 'robust spatial association' between these chemicals and increased cancer incidence rates in over 400 areas.

Published on April 1, 2026, at 2:21 pm (Paris), updated on May 27, 2026, at 11:11 am Stéphane Foucart

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Population's cadmium overexposure requires urgent action, French food agency tells government

In a report published on Wednesday, France's National Agency for Food Safety recommends drastically reducing levels of this carcinogenic metal in phosphate fertilizers and limiting the consumption of cereals, bread and pasta.

Published on March 25, 2026, at 11:11 am (Paris), updated on May 6, 2026, at 2:22 pm Stéphane Mandard

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Pesticides, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals found everywhere in seawater

The analysis of more than 2,300 samples collected worldwide highlights the persistence of chemical compounds from agriculture, pharmaceuticals and industry in the ocean, sometimes at very high levels.

Published on March 22, 2026, at 12:40 pm (Paris) Sylvie Burnouf

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Polluted drinking water takes center stage in Denmark's election campaign

The presence of nitrates and pesticides in drinking water catchment sites and groundwater has become a major concern for Danes, who are also questioning the environmental impact of industrial pig farming. Bans on certain treatments are now under consideration.

Published on March 22, 2026, at 10:23 am (Paris) Anne-Françoise Hivert

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'There is so much potential risk in the Persian Gulf for environmental damage'

Doug Weir, director of the Conflict and Environment Observatory, outlines the risks facing populations and ecosystems as a result of the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the US.

Published on March 18, 2026, at 10:01 am (Paris) Perrine Mouterde

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The battery plant scandal that could scuttle Viktor Orban's election campaign

Accused of endangering public health and the environment with toxic discharges, a Samsung battery factory north of Budapest reportedly received special treatment from the Hungarian authorities. The scandal threatens to become a major issue in the legislative elections scheduled for April 12.

Published on March 12, 2026, at 6:00 pm (Paris) Jean-Baptiste Chastand

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How Paris mobility transformed under Anne Hidalgo's two terms

Between 2014 and 2026, the streets of Paris underwent sweeping changes, notably with the pedestrianization of the riverbanks and the creation of numerous bike lanes. Pollution levels in the French capital have dropped, but as this improvement has been seen across the region and throughout France, the question of causality remains unresolved.

Published on March 12, 2026, at 12:30 pm (Paris) Hélène Bekmezian

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French people exposed to 'concerning' levels of cadmium, lead and aluminum through food

Reviewing more than 700 samples representing 90% of the French diet, the national health agency released its third 'total diet study' assessing exposure to toxic substances through food.

Published on February 13, 2026, at 5:00 am (Paris), updated on May 6, 2026, at 2:21 pm Stéphane Mandard

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British mothers fight the slow poison of industrial pollution in Corby

In Corby, once a major center for the British steel industry, the dismantling of steelworks massively exposed the population to toxic substances, causing widespread pollution, birth defects and pediatric cancers. A group of mothers has waged a long battle to raise national awareness about this major public health issue.

Published on February 4, 2026, at 10:53 am (Paris) Cécile Ducourtieux

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Residents of Lyon's 'Chemical Valley' seek compensation over PFAS contamination

Arkema and Daikin Chemicals, two companies suspected of being responsible for the largest area of PFAS pollution in France, have been summoned before the Lyon judicial court by 192 adults and children living in a polluted area south of Lyon. The plaintiffs are seeking more than €36 million in compensation for the harm they have suffered.

Published on February 3, 2026, at 9:55 am (Paris) Stéphane Mandard

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PFAS: Pollution in the EU could cost up to €1.7 trillion

A study commissioned by the European Commission confirms the significant financial burden of forever chemicals for European societies, with costs varying depending on political decisions.

Published on January 29, 2026, at 11:15 am (Paris) Stéphane Horel Raphaëlle Aubert

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Editorial

France's low-emission zones fall victim to a shortsighted political class

Although air pollution, primarily caused by automobile traffic, is responsible for over 40,000 premature deaths each year in France, a proposal to eliminate low-emission zones is about to be put before Parliament. The move highlights just how challenging it is to implement environmental policies.

Published on January 23, 2026, at 2:49 pm (Paris) Le Monde

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Paris incinerator extension drives up costs and raises health concerns

The Ivry incinerator, one of the largest and oldest in Europe, is being kept open for longer due . Le Monde reveals that an incident in September 2025 led to 'non-compliant' substances being emitted.

Published on January 8, 2026, at 6:07 pm (Paris) Stéphane Mandard

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More than 1.7 million French schoolchildren face high 'pesticide pressure' levels

Le Monde and a team of 10 scientists have established a barometer to measure the potential pesticide exposure level around every French school.

Published on December 20, 2025, at 5:02 pm (Paris) Raphaëlle Aubert

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EU proposes to allow pesticide use without time limits

The European Commission, the Union's executive arm, presented an omnibus legislative package on Tuesday that would overhaul the current system for approving plant protection products.

Published on December 17, 2025, at 10:47 am (Paris) Stéphane Foucart

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EU walks back 2035 all-electric target, permitting some new combustion engine cars

Under proposals decried by environmental groups, automakers will now have to cut new vehicles' exhaust emissions by 90% compared to 2021 levels, down from an envisaged 100%.

Published on December 16, 2025, at 5:53 pm (Paris), updated on December 16, 2025, at 8:38 pm Le Monde with AFP

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A Perrier plant shuts down after malfunction at its wastewater treatment facility

The prefecture of Gard sent a formal notice letter to Nestlé on December 10, giving the company eight days to comply or face a fine or the suspension of its operations.

Published on December 12, 2025, at 11:51 pm (Paris), updated on December 13, 2025, at 10:49 am Stéphane Mandard

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PFAS: France's tap water is widely polluted with TFA, the most common 'forever chemical'

A French state health agency analyzed over 600 samples of drinking water. 92% of them contained traces of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), the smallest PFAS molecule, which is suspected to be toxic.

Published on December 4, 2025, at 12:30 pm (Paris) Stéphane Mandard Stéphane Foucart

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PFAS: Cereal-based foods also heavily contaminated

A groundbreaking study published on Thursday by the PAN Europe network reveals that these foods are a major source of exposure to the smallest of the forever chemicals.

Published on December 4, 2025, at 10:23 am (Paris) Stéphane Mandard

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Influential study on glyphosate safety retracted 25 years after publication

A 2000 study that concluded the well-known herbicide glyphosate was safe, widely cited since then, has just been officially disavowed by the journal that published it. The scientists are suspected of having signed a text actually prepared by Monsanto.

Published on December 3, 2025, at 3:07 pm (Paris) Stéphane Foucart

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'Delhi is no longer livable': Deadly pollution in Indian capital claims more than 17,000 lives each year

Millions of firecrackers set off during the Hindu festival of Diwali at the end of October have worsened the already extreme fine particle pollution engulfing the megacity. Every winter, Delhi's 30 million residents face a toxic nightmare, while blistering heat waves strike the city each summer.

Published on November 13, 2025, at 7:00 pm (Paris) Carole Dieterich Sophie Landrin

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EU adopts rules to curb plastic pellet pollution

The European Union on Thursday approved new measures holding transport and handling firms accountable for spills of plastic pellets, a major source of microplastic pollution across the bloc.

Published on October 23, 2025, at 1:58 pm (Paris), updated on October 23, 2025, at 2:10 pm Le Monde with AFP

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Surge in Tunisia poisoning cases shakes Kais Saied's presidency

The Gabes region has come to a standstill due to a general strike in the face of a worsening health crisis. In an attempt to address public anger, the president has ordered a ministerial commission to be sent, but has failed to convince the population.

Published on October 22, 2025, at 9:25 am (Paris) Monia Ben Hamadi

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Oil group Perenco abandons facilities and pollution in heart of Guatemalan nature park

The French-British company left the Central American country over the summer. Since 2001, it had been operating an oil field inside the Laguna del Tigre National Park. The group stands accused of failing to fulfill any of its environmental restoration commitments.

Published on October 22, 2025, at 4:00 am (Paris) Anne Vigna

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Germany's Merz says EU should scrap 2035 combustion engine ban

In an interview, the German chancellor said he believes the ban is 'wrong,' as Germany's auto giants struggle to stay competitive against Chinese electric carmakers.

Published on October 7, 2025, at 12:16 am (Paris), updated on October 7, 2025, at 8:27 am Le Monde with AFP

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Thomas Piketty: 'If Europe does not urgently give up its love of free trade, it risks an unprecedented social and industrial disaster'

Europe should impose tariffs as a sort of tax on the CO₂ generated by the transportation of goods and to counter the damaging effects of Chinese dumping, writes the French economist.

Published on October 4, 2025, at 5:30 am (Paris), updated on October 4, 2025, at 9:53 am Thomas Piketty

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PFAS: Battle in Brussels over acceptable daily intake standards for forever chemical TFA

To set new health standards, EU authorities asked the chemical industry to provide data on TFA, which is ubiquitous in the environment. The NGO Pesticide Action Network, which got access to the studies, has accused the industry of downplaying the risks.

Published on October 3, 2025, at 4:03 pm (Paris) Stéphane Foucart

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Reducing speed limit to 50 km/h on Paris' ring road has led to less traffic, pollution and noise

One year ago, the maximum speed limit on Paris' ring road was lowered from 80 to 50 kilometers per hour. Two preliminary studies have reported positive indicators, though they stop short of reaching a definitive conclusion.

Published on October 1, 2025, at 10:26 pm (Paris), updated on October 2, 2025, at 6:27 pm Hélène Bekmezian

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Countries plan to boost fossil fuel production far beyond Paris climate goals by 2030

The gap continues to widen between the amount of coal, oil and gas that producer countries' governments intend to bring to market and the quantities that would keep global warming below 1.5°C.

Published on September 22, 2025, at 3:38 pm (Paris), updated on September 22, 2025, at 5:19 pm Perrine Mouterde

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Grenoble, Strasbourg and Rennes top France's ranking of bike-friendly cities

After surveying thousands of riders, cycling advocates on Thursday released their ranking of France's most bike-friendly cities, aiming to shape debate ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.

Published on September 21, 2025, at 12:47 am (Paris), updated on September 22, 2025, at 3:46 pm Olivier Razemon

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'Dieselgate': NGOs sue French state for failing to act and demand recalls

In 2015, the scandal exposed car manufacturers for cheating on diesel engine emissions tests. Now, advocacy groups are suing over the lack of recalls for the vast majority of affected vehicles and the excessive pollution that followed.

Published on September 17, 2025, at 10:25 am (Paris) Stéphane Foucart

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PFAS: EU scales back its plan to ban 'forever chemicals,' sparking outrage among NGOs

An update to a proposal for a 'universal restriction' on PFAS in the European Union leaves the measure less ambitious than previously expected.

Published on September 15, 2025, at 3:22 pm (Paris), updated on September 16, 2025, at 10:26 am Stéphane Horel

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'Pretending that environmental protection is just a concern for hipsters means leaving the working class to their fate'

Economist Lutz Sager writes in an op-ed for 'Le Monde' that underserved communities are the first victims of air pollution, which causes 40,000 preventable deaths each year in France.

Published on August 30, 2025, at 2:23 am (Paris), updated on August 30, 2025, at 11:04 am Lutz Sager

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Air quality in Paris: Monitoring agency reports significant improvement over 10 years

According to Airparif, the independent body monitoring air quality in the Paris region, policies have had a 'significant and measurable impact.'

Published on August 29, 2025, at 12:22 am (Paris), updated on August 29, 2025, at 8:20 am Hélène Bekmezian

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