The French Climate and Resilience Law: Some Lessons in Legal Innovation and Climate Governance

A doctrinal and critical analysis of France's Climate and Resilience Law (August 22, 2021) is presented, examining its legal innovations and implications for climate governance. The law, emerging from an unprecedented consultative process, marks a significant evolution in French climate policy and environmental law. It introduces new legal provisions, such as the recognition of ecocide, and aims to align France with ambitious European and international climate objectives. The article situates the law within the broader context of French and EU environmental frameworks, discusses its main features, and critically assesses its challenges, including institutional complexities and implementation gaps.