French Minister Barbut Stays On, Eyes French Savings for Climate Adaptation

French Ecology Minister Monique Barbut, who had announced her resignation in July over an agricultural law, will remain in her government position. She stated she received assurances on key issues, including climate change adaptation, and feels she must continue her work.

Barbut expressed her determination to remain in her role, stating, "You will still have to put up with me." She indicated that while she might feel more vulnerable, she is not weakened, acknowledging that some parties wish for her departure. Her priorities remain adaptation to climate change, forest preservation, and environmental health, and she will continue to propose measures in these areas.

Regarding financing climate adaptation, Barbut intends to investigate the possibility of using funds from French savings, managed by the Caisse des Dépôts, given the state's limited resources. She also aims to establish a stricter norm for cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, in phosphate fertilizers. Barbut proposes a maximum limit of 20 milligrams per kilogram by 2030, a significant reduction from the current 90 mg/kg, and faster than the Ministry of Agriculture's initial proposal.