Jancovici : Face à face avec Apolline de Malherbe - 02/01/2024

Summary

This transcript is of a French TV news interview between anchor Pauline de Malerbe and ecologist Jean-Marc Jancovici. They discuss the outlook for 2024 regarding energy, climate, and the economy. Topics covered include reducing air travel and consumption, the outcomes of recent climate summits, France's plan for 'green' interest rates to incentivize environmental investments, perspectives on hosting upcoming Olympic games, the transition to electric vehicles, and whether Jancovici will vote for the Green party. The overarching themes are the need for long-term planning and gradual lifestyle changes to mitigate climate change risks while maintaining social stability.

Takeaways

• 😊 Jean-Marc Jancovici believes we should have more joy than sorrow in 2024
• 😮 Jancovici thinks the aviation industry was born with oil and will die with oil
• 😠 Jancovici doesn't believe COP28 will lead to binding decisions for states on fossil fuel phase out
• 🤔 Jancovici is unsure if Macron has a well-structured vision around environmental issues
• 👍 Jancovici agrees with Macron's idea of green interest rates to incentivize ecological investments
• 😢 Jancovici believes the 2 degree global warming target is already dead
• 😡 Jancovici sees a link between populism and unforeseen material hardship of the middle class
• 🤨 Jancovici questions the pertinence of further developing mountain infrastructure for winter sports
• 👏 Jancovici welcomes measures to promote purchase of small electric vehicles by low income households
• 😌 Jancovici will decide who to vote for in the EU elections based on party manifestos

Q & A

What is the significance of the COP 28 agreement reached in Dubai?

The COP 28 agreement affirmed a commitment to transition away from fossil fuels, but it is largely a statement of principles rather than binding decisions. The real actions lie with individual countries, companies, and sectors rather than UN climate negotiations.

What is Jean-Marc Jancovici's view on reducing air travel as a solution to environmental issues?

Jean-Marc Jancovici believes that reducing air travel, especially for leisure purposes which account for 3/4 of air traffic, is a relatively minor sacrifice compared to the more drastic measures that may be necessary if climate change is not addressed. He argues that people who have moved far away have made a choice with pros and cons.

How serious is the immediate energy supply concern for this coming winter compared to last year?

The immediate energy supply concerns are much less severe this winter compared to last year, due to increased LNG imports from the US, improved nuclear power plant output in France, and reduced gas consumption.

What is Jean-Marc Jancovici's view on the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2030 Winter Olympics bids?

He sees them as opportunities missed to do things differently and limit environmental impact, noting the massive scale, construction, and spectator travel compared to the original Olympics. He questions investing in winter sports infrastructure dependent on fossil fuels and snow in a warming climate.

What does Jean-Marc Jancovici think about electric vehicles?

He sees electric vehicles, especially smaller and more affordable models, as a good step but is critical of electric SUVs/tanks which require more batteries. He supports measures to incentivize smaller EVs while penalizing large, heavier electric vehicles.

What does COP stand for in the context of climate negotiations?

COP stands for 'Conference of the Parties', the annual UN climate change conference.

What is the significance of the 2 degrees Celsius target established at COP15 in Copenhagen?

The 2 degrees Celsius target relative to pre-industrial levels was agreed at COP15 in Copenhagen in 2009 as a limit for global temperature rise. It became an important reference point in climate policy debates.

What is Jean-Marc Jancovici's view on 'green' vs 'brown' interest rates proposed by President Macron?

He sees different interest rates favoring investments in environmental transition as an appropriate planning tool and economic policy instrument, given the importance of capital costs for infrastructure with a long lifespan like transportation and energy projects.

What does Jean-Marc Jancovici think of the term 'French-style ecology' used by President Macron?

He is unsure what President Macron means by 'French-style ecology' and did not see Macron demonstrate a clear, structured vision for dealing with environmental issues and physical resource constraints in his New Year's speech.

How will Jean-Marc Jancovici decide who to vote for in the European elections?

He will read the programs carefully and judge each party's proposals, rather than automatically voting for the green/environmental party. He notes that no party is free of contradictions in their environmental policies.